About the IEEC

Background

A wide range of new field and desk research into early engines lacks an obvious outlet, forum or focus; this is the underpinning rationale for IEEC. The purpose of the conference is to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of new research into heat engines prior to 1812.

The event design is based on the International Early Railways Conference (IERC) model. Repeat conferences are anticipated every 2-5 years.

The First International Early Engines Conference was held at Elsecar, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, in May 2017; the Second International Early Engines Conference was held in October 2021 at the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, West Midlands. The Third International Early Engines Conference took place in  March 2024 at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, in Scotland.

The Fourth International Early Engines Conference is currently in preparation for March 2026 at Kingswood Heritage Museum, at Warmley, near Bristol.

The International Early Engines Conferences were founded and are arranged by Steve Grudgings with a dedicated group of fellow early engines researchers and engineering history experts and enthusiasts. To contact them, please get in touch with admin@earlyengines.org