John Smeaton at Temple Newsam

John Smeaton was the greatest civil engineer of the 18th century and founder of the profession in Britain. He was also a prolific engineering scientist whose work enabled Britain to take the lead in the agricultural and industrial revolutions. He was born at Austhorpe Lodge, Whitkirk in 1724, and is buried in St Mary’s Church. In 1769 he designed a self-activating pump which supplied water from Jacob’s Well to the west of Temple Newsam House. This filled reservoirs under the floors of the Servants Hall and the north wing.

This tour explores the grounds of Temple Newsam for remaining evidence of Smeaton’s pump and ventures inside the house to view the surviving well, not normally on view to the public. This tour will last around an hour and a half. Please wear sensible walking shoes. Meet outside the front of Temple Newsam House by the railings.

Please note - This booking is for tour entry only. If you would like to visit the house after the tour please purchase a ticket from the Courtyard Shop.

Host or Publisher Leeds Civic Trust