Water Tank On West Platform Of Kemble Station

The water tank on the west platform of Kemble Station is a large structure with pumping machinery located below. It was likely built around 1882, at the same time as the main station buildings on the Great Western Railway's Swindon to Gloucester line, which opened in 1845. The tank is rectangular and made of cast iron, consisting of riveted sections that are supported by six tall round columns. These columns are X-braced in pairs and feature curved brackets that support an iron beam with vertical oval piercings. The tank is topped with a curved bitumenised roof. In the center of the tank, there are two boxed-in pipes with attached wheels that operate the pumping machinery, which was presumably originally housed in a small adjoining wooden shed; however, the interior of the shed is not accessible to confirm the presence of the machinery.