About

Situated on the Birmingham Main Line Canal, Galton Valley Pumping Station first opened in 1892 with the purpose of pumping water from the lower Birmingham New Main Line to the high Old Main Line Canal. This was to replace the water lost from the higher level when boats went through the Smethwick locks. However the station only had a short working life, closing in the mid 1920s due to reduced traffic on the canals. Apart from a short period during the Second World War the building sat empty until it was restored and opened as part of the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre in the late 1980s.

Today this small museum gives an insight into some of the most important and historic civil engineering feats in the area, including the world famous Galton Bridge as well as a look at life and work on the canals. The building is largely staffed by volunteers -  the Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station on behalf of Sandwell Museum Service.