The Roman Water Machine

A Roman water machine in action at The Ancient Technology Centre, Cranborne, Dorset. Visit http://www.ancienttechnologycentre.co... to learn more. This machine is a replica based on evidence of a bucket chain mechanism found in London and dated to the early second century A.D. The machine is one possible interpretation of a mechanism that may have driven the excavated bucket chain. The original bucket chain was discovered at the bottom of a deep well (eastern well) during excavations at 20-30 Gresham Street in London. It is believed that the water from the well supplied the Roman bath house at Cheapside, around 400 metres away. Built by the Museum of London, and McCurdy & Co. in 2002, the water machine became the focus for a Time Team special which is still being repeated. The machine was donated to the ATC by the museum of London in 2010. We have modified the main drive wheel with fruit-wood "shoes" that bear the weight of the chains. We have also installed a counter on the windlass gear to record the volume of water moved.