-
The Early Engines Database has a new home
Researchers and others interested in the history of steam power will wish to note that the Early Engines Database of eighteenth century steam engines now has a new permanent home, courtesy of the Association for Industrial Archaeology. The database has moved to: https://industrial-archaeology.org/EarlyEngines/ Purpose The Early Engines database is a record of steam engine building (not utilisation) before the end of 1800. It includes any stationary engine known to have started useful work in the British Isles, even if it was very short lived. It records only the first erection of each engine, although where important detail about later use is known this is explained in the comments section. It…
-
IEEC4 2026 – Proposed papers updated
We’re pleased to report that the response to the IEEC4 Call for Papers has been promising and the latest updated list of proposals is given below. (revised January 2026) Please note, our Call for Papers for the IEEC4 in March 2026 closed at the end of October 2025 Author Title Steve Grudgings Calley to Curr (revisited and with specific Bristol references) Rick Stewart The Coster Family and their pumps Ben Russell The beginning and end of the coal fired economy Ben Russell Engine Builders and Enginewrights Steve Grudgings Bristol’s Engine Builders Steve Grudgings Water Shafts – An exploration of definitions and purposes Carol Crompton The Earl’s Own Engineer? Steve Grudgings…
-
Announcing IEEC4 at Bristol in 2026
The Fourth International Early Engines Conference (IEEC4), Kingswood Heritage Museum, Bristol. 20th-22nd March 2026 Conference Details and Call for Papers Following our previous successful conferences, we are delighted to confirm our fourth event, (IEEC4) will be hosted by the Kingswood Heritage Museum in Warmley, near Bristol in South Gloucestershire, from 20-22 March 2026. DATES, TIMES AND VISITS? The event will run from noon Friday 20th until noon on Sunday 22nd March 2026 and it is our intention to arrange group visits to a number of surviving Newcomen Engine Houses on Thursday 19th March and to other significant stationary engine sites on Monday 23rd March. Please note these visits are not…
