Editing Pub (section)

===Beer engine===
{{Main|Beer engine}}
A "beer engine" is a device for [[pump]]ing beer, originally manually operated and typically used to dispense beer from a [[cask]] or container in a pub's basement or cellar.

The first beer pump known in England is believed to have been invented by [[John Lofting]], a Dutch-born, London-based inventor, manufacturer, and merchant, in the late 1680s or early 1690s. The London Gazette of 17 March 1691 published a patent in favour of John Lofting for a fire engine, but remarked upon and recommended another invention of his, for a beer pump:

<blockquote>
"Whereas their Majesties [i.e., [[William III of England]] and [[Mary II of England]]] have been Graciously Pleased to grant Letters patent to John Lofting of London Merchant for a New Invented Engine for Extinguishing Fires which said Engine have found every great encouragement. The said Patentee hath also projected a Very Useful Engine for starting of beer and other liquors which will deliver from 20 to 30 barrels an hour which are completely fixed with Brass Joints and Screws at Reasonable Rates. Any Person that hath occasion for the said Engines may apply themselves to the Patentee at his house near St Thomas Apostle London or to Mr. Nicholas Wall at the Workshoppe near Saddlers Wells at Islington or to Mr. William Tillcar, Turner, his agent at his house in Woodtree next door to the Sun Tavern London."
</blockquote>

A further engine was invented in the late 18th century by the [[locksmith]] and [[hydraulic]] engineer [[Joseph Bramah]] (1748–1814).

Strictly the term refers to the pump itself, which is normally manually operated, though electrically powered and gas powered pumps are occasionally used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=180651 |title=In the Pub |publisher=CAMRA |access-date=26 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420015224/http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=180651 |archive-date=20 April 2011 }}</ref> When manually powered, the term "handpump" is often used to refer to both the pump and the associated handle.