Bancroft Mill Engine Museum

A working #SteamMuseum that regularly runs two unique textile mill engines using a centenarian Cornish boiler and also demonstrates working weaving looms.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Lets hope we don't have to stop the engine in an emergency like during our first steaming of the year. It takes 1 minute and 30 seconds to bring the Roberts engine to a stop.
We steam again this Sunday 14th, engines run from 13.00 until 15.45. Cafe and tea with excellent cake.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

We're steaming this Sunday 24th May at 13.00 where you can ask us what this device is and how it works. The drivers are always happy to stop and chat about the engine and its workings. Cafe and excellent cake as usual. That's Sunday Sorted then!

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

After a flywheel drive rope failed during our first steaming this year, we're keeping a very close eye on the remaining ropes at OUR NEXT STEAMING on Sunday 3rd May.
We'd love to see our friends again for a brew and chat about all things steam.
See https://t.co/mSyyJaF0FR

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

The winter covers are coming off ready for our FIRST STEAMING on the 22nd March. We would love to see you again after the dark days of winter. Join us for steam in the air and the smell of hot oil. Engines run from 13.00.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Great news! Our boiler has PASSED its 10 year inspection. Now we have to assemble the boiler components that were stripped off for the inspection, including these firebars. We'll be lighting up on 22nd March for our FIRST STEAMING OF 2026.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

The boilers blow down swan neck being ultrasonically tested. All ok.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Ultrasound being used to determine the thickness of the firetube wall. In this case all was well.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

It's that time of year again, our Cornish boiler's annual inspection. This time though it's the 10 year examination which includes None Destructive Testing of various welds and components. Here our inspector squeezes into the water space to start his work.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Come and join us for our final Steaming Day of 2025https://mailchi.mp/a296f5355419/last-steaming-day-of-2025

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Our newest volunteer gets stuck in, under supervision of course, with the winterising of our Roberts engine. Not every day you can say you're going to work on a vintage steam engine. We are recruiting volunteers who have a love of industrial history. See https://t.co/KhN5yhiWQF

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Corrected version of previous post! https://t.co/HJNarp84W1

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

There are just two more opportunities to see our Engines running this year - clcik for details
https://t.co/zxRRmAvWjK

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Our Butterworth and Dickinson loom is now operational, along with the Hattersley of Keighley dobby. Thanks to our volunteers, Brian and Peter, who worked their way through a pile of donated parts over several years. It will be in action at our next steaming on 12th October.

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Come and visit us on our Steaming Day 12th October - https://t.co/b9ee7n7GQ9

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Our engines are running in glorious steam again this Sunday 21st September. Our Roberts engine runs at its full design speed, an awesome sight indeed. We run our engines from 13.00 until 15.30. Cafe will be selling tea and cakes as usual. That's Sunday sorted then!

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Come and enjoy our next Steaming Day on 31st August

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Next Steaming Day 20th July - https://t.co/dT1RsoKzFu

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Our steaming day on the 29th June will feature amateur radio enthusists broadcasting from Bancroft to other radio operators around the UK.
Ever wanted to try amateur radio? now's your chance to be shown how, by licenced enthusasts. We open at 11.00, engines run from 13.00

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Next Steaming Day 8th June - https://t.co/Edzm2AMQqY
Follow the link for details of our fifth Steaming Day of the year

[Bancroft Mill Engine Museum @EngineMill]

Bancroft Mill Steaming Day 27th April - https://t.co/VunpagvrQi
with added traction engines