Cragend Farm

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to your fantastic farm ... it was the most interesting HHA visit we have ever done. We had no idea of the extent of the Armstrong connection or what you have there. We particularly enjoyed ascending and descending the ladders to look at the hydraulic equipment and get an idea of how it all functioned, the beautiful and unusual buildings which had housed the cattle, and were intrigued by the contents of your "underground" loo! Peacocks and chicks, hens and a beautiful pet lamb added to the feel of the farm.

[We] enjoyed the tour of your fascinating farm … both enjoyable and very informative. The work you have done is to a high standard and sympathetic to the farm. Your knowledge of the property, and the research that you had done was really interesting.

As William Armstrong's biographer, I was thrilled to be invited on an historical tour of Cragend Farm, brilliantly organised and knowledgeably presented by Lou and Shaun Renwick. It was fascinating to see the hydraulic machines that Armstrong developed in the 1870s for agricultural use, and I am full of admiration for what the Renwicks have done in uncovering and restoring these rare survivals for public viewing. Henrietta Heald.

Amazing place! ... We were fascinated. Enlightening tour ... Wonderful to see engineering like this preserved ... Fabulous and inspiring! ... Amazing insight into such an intriguing place. Incredible window to the past ... Tremendous! Absolutely fascinating. Well-presented tour. Really interesting ... Valuable engineering history. Captivating.