The drainage of 2,500 acres (1,012 ha) of land around Tattershall was authorised in 1796, and came under the control of the Witham Third District commissioners in 1844.

[2][3] The engine discharged into the River Witham,[4] but has a long fetch from a drain parallel to the river called The Dogdyke engine drain originating just south of Kirkstead at a place called Parkbeck.

[4] The construction is similar to an 'A' frame, but the decorative form of the cast iron upright obscures that basic shape and might be considered unique.

[4] The two diesel engines are maintained by The Witham Third District Internal Drainage Board as a standby for the nearby electric pumping station.

[8] Access to the site on steaming days involves driving down an unmade road and walking across a grassed area.