News
The latest news and developments
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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…
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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…
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Book Launch – Charles P. Dixon, John Curr: the man who revolutionised mining, 2025
IEEC are always pleased to share new research and support publications sharing the results of original research into topics related to our core early engines theme. This post shares details of Charles P. Dixon’s work on noted mining engineer and entrepreneur John Curr, published in August 2025, the result of almost four years of investigation and preparation. Charles P. Dixon, John Curr: the man who revolutionised mining, London: Heritage Hunter, August 2025, 9781905315888, 272 pages. £25.00 About the book In the latter half of the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was accelerating and demand for coal soaring. However, as tonnages increased and mines became deeper the need for new technologies…
