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WATER TURBINE
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 The Francis turbine in its temporary location outside the Museum. Later, it is intended to build a special low podium for the exhibit. |
When new homes were being constructed at the bottom of Frenchay Hill, the excavations revealed a Francis water turbine, and it was rescued in the nick of time from the builders' skip. The turbine has been sand-blasted and coated with protective paint. Made by J J Armfield of Fordingbridge in Hampshire in about the 1890s, the turbine was used to power the old flock mill, which last operated in the 1960s. The mill was then replaced by light industrial units engaged in metal work. In the 1760s, the site was occupied by Frenchay iron works, which produced metal tools and implements for export to the then colonies. We have recently discovered (February 2001) that the Armfields were a Quaker family – yet another Frenchay connection. |