Early Engines Research

Current Research into early engines - heat engines, whether atmospheric or steam, primarily those first developed or constructed up to 1812.

  • The Art of Researching Engines…

    Three delightful images of a pair of Griff Colliery’s pumping engines near Nuneaton as they appeared in the mid Twentieth Century: pen and ink, some colour, and a photographic source of inspiration. Taken together they provide the historian, industrial archaeologist, early engine enthusiast, or just the artistically inclined alike, some food for thought. Cornish pumps in Bermuda? Bermuda? Yes, not exactly. Not *that* Bermuda. In the 1890s the expansion of the Griff Clara Colliery undertaking led to the establishment of small pit village; what is now Bermuda village, a suburb of Nuneaton and named as a nod to Sir Edward Newdigate Newdegate (1825–1902) of Astley Castle and Harbury Hall who…

  • Announcing the Early Engine Database

    As we arrive at the date which would have marked the start of the 2nd International Early Engines Conference (now postponed to May 2021), we are delighted to be able to share news of a fantastic new research resource, the Early Engine Database – a fully searchable online database of 18th Century engines in the United Kingdom. Early Engine Database – https://coalpitheath.org.uk/engines

  • IEEC2 Draft Programme available

    The Organisers of the International Early Engines Conference (now postponed until October 2021) are pleased to announce the draft programme for the conference coming later this year (subject to confirmation and adjustment). Theme “A wider view of early engines and their operating context – beyond valve gear and famous engineers” For Conference ticket pricing options, see below. Full conference, or individual Day delegate tickets are available, please refer to Conference booking information. A PDF Printable version of the programme can also be accessed here: Updates 23rd MARCH 2021 Following feedback from registered delegates, and in agreement with the host venue, the IEEC2 conference is being postponed until October 2021.