The Main Dock Pump House and associated Pneumatic Store stands at the heads of Number 1 Dock and Number 2 Dock in South Yard.  It is the last of the great Victorian pumping stations in Devonport Royal Dockyard.

Following the introduction of hydraulic power into the Royal Dockyard this Pump House was built to enable Docks 1 and 2 to be pumped dry when required.  It was also used to operate capstans, cranes and dock gates.  Attached to the northern end of the square, two-storey and very conspicuous accumulator tower is the oblong boiler house.  The limestone ashlar tower bears the date 1851 and on the southern end, pictured above, the initials "V.R.".  At the north-western corner is a truncated, square chimney.  The machinery was modernised in 1931 and the former boiler room then became the Pneumatic Store. 

The design of the building is attributed to Mr William Scamp (1801-1872), Chief Assistant to the Director of Admiralty Works, 1845-1867, who was heavily involved with the construction of the Keyham Steam Yard.

Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and succeeding legislation the Main Dock Pump House and Pneumatic Store has Listed Building Grade 2 status.