A NEWCOMEN Beam Engine which dates back to 1795 will be unveiled on Friday after having a £500,000 restoration.
Sat stationary since the 1950s, it has been lovingly restored in a three-year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Barnsley Council and English Heritage.
The engine - which pumped water from local collieries from 1795 to 1923 - was built by Earl Fitzwilliam as the family transformed Elsecar into a thriving hub for iron and coal. It's the very last example of its type.
It has been restored inside an impressive three-storey engine house and above its 110ft mineshaft, which itself is a remarkable example of Georgian engineering.
Friday's grand launch at 6pm promises to be a memorable occasion, with fireworks above the engine house and an honour guard and steaming locomotives.
It will also include Elsecar's Christmas lights switch-on and late-night opening for its nearby shops.
Mayor of Barnsley, Coun Tim Shepherd, said: "Elsecar is a living time capsule and one of the jewels of our industrial heritage.
"The engine's restoration ensures this tremendously important piece of history is preserved and remains in its original position for future generations to enjoy."
