David and Sampson are a pair of massive blowing machines built in 1851 for a blast furnace near Ironbridge Gorge: they were used for 50 years before being replaced, after which they were on standby and used occasionally for another 50 years.
In the 1970s they were moved to Blists Hill and preserved – possibly just so that Timothy could hang from one of the control handles and marvel at the scale and power of Victorian engineering.
So sorry to have missed you Timothy! I work at Blists Hill and your August visit was the highlight of our year. ‘Glad you had a grand time just hanging around. ‘Hope to see you again soon.
It was a bit wet today so we’re going to pop back tomorrow (Sunday) morning