The advent of steam power in the late 18th century offered a new solution, and these new engines began to spring up around The Fens.

The steam engine on the Old West River (Great Ouse) just south of Stretham was built by the Butterley Company of Derbyshire in 1831, at a cost of £4950.

It replaced four nearby windmills and its scoop wheel was used successfully for over a century to lift water from flood channels back into the river.

Prickwillow Museum contains a nearly identical Mirrlees diesel engine that has been preserved and restored to working order.

The engine is open to the public on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays from the beginning of April to the end of October between 1.00pm and 5.00pm.