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James Twyford – Mechanical mysteries
At the 3rd International Early Engines Conference at Summerlee in 2024, Steve Grudgings introduced an exciting 17th century archive of drawings containing examples of mechanical devices, including practical applications of water engines and examples of engineering practices from around the UK and parts of Europe. Contained in the fabulous journals of James Twyford (d.1721) described as “the most energetic and enlightened mining adventurer in the Somerset of the later Stuarts” (John Bulley Vol.97 (1952) of Somersetshire Archaeological and Natural History Society) Watch Steve Grudgings’ introduction to the material: The IEEC audience and wider public are invited to interpret and explain the service in what it is hoped will be an…
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Research Snippets – On Brass cylinders
Dr John Kanefsky writes: In my paper to IEEC2 on the Norris Files, I referred briefly to the paucity of evidence about brass cylinders for Newcomen engines [Kanefsky (2021), Coalbrookdale, Cornwall and Cylinders, pp.6-7 – see also early access version]. However, an advertisement in the Newcastle Courant for 3rd April 1725 sheds a little light. In it, a Mr William Packer of Bristol who has relocated to Newcastle offers to cast, among a wide variety of other items, “all Sorts of Brass-work for Fire-Engines for the Coal Works”. Little is known about Packer. From a brief search on the internet it appears he as active as a bell-founder and supplier…
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IEEC3 – Conference complete!
An initial short post to report that the 3rd International Early Engines Conference took place between Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th March 2024. We were delighted to welcome delegates to the fantastic Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, in North Lanarkshire. Home to a wonderful collection of objects, artefacts large and small reflecting the material, technical and social development of industry in Scotland, it is also the custodian of the remarkable Farme Colliery Newcomen winding engine. In addition to the 3 day conference, the organising committee were pleased to arrange a pre- and post- conference tour programme on Thursday 21st and Monday 25th March. We thank all attendees and the…
