Kirkaldy’s Testing Works

“Have been waiting for a couple of years for a date when we were in London coinciding with a machine run. We finally managed it this November and were not disappointed. This is a fascinating story of how the UK led engineering excellence during the Second Industrial Revolution (complete your education on this by seeing the exhibition at the Science Museum). We learnt from the amazing volunteers that even Australia sent the steel from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to be independently tested here. This is a must visit for all engineers and engineering students, if only to learn about an innovator who started his own business”

“I went there with my son a couple of weeks ago for the premium tour with the universal testing machine. He’s preparing to go to study engineering at uni next year so we’re always looking for relevant places of interest. It was a fantastic experience, living and working machines demonstrated by knowledgeable volunteers with fascinating stories inna very atmospheric and authentic setting. It’s a niche place, but for those with an interest in engineering and industrial heritage, very worthwhile. My son has now applied to join as a volunteer.”

“Hat off to all volunteers who are wonderful, passive, highly knowledgeable and friendly - they delivered the presentation in a way which is accessible to all. There are lots of testing machines in Victorian and Edwardian era, some of them are 100+ year old, this reminded me of the days at university studying the construction techniques and materials testing - the principles are very similar but just supplied by hydraulic not electricity.”

“Fascinating tour of this birthplace of material testing. Run by volunteers who are friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the equipment on display. The star of the tour is the massive universal testing machine designed by Kirkaldy. Well worth the booking cost, the 2 and a half hours of the tour flew by. Only open for booked toura ( 2 per month), see their website.”