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 ongoing investigation into the principles and purposes of a large collection of mechanical mysteries.
Examples for interpretation
Below are just a few samples of the mechanical mysteries to unravel.
Source: DD/HY/16/2/3 Memoranda and account book of James Twyford of Charlton, Kilmersdon, and Bristol, merchant. 1679-1721 (South West Heritage Trust/Somerset Heritage Centre)
We encourage discussion on this material. And look forward to sharing more of the detailed interpretative work underway following the IEEC3 conference.
