News

The latest news and developments

  • Newcastle Courant advert for brass worker Michael Williamson 1724

    Research Snippets – On Brass cylinders

    Dr John Kanefsky writes: In my paper to IEEC2 on the Norris Files, I referred briefly to the paucity of evidence about brass cylinders for Newcomen engines [Kanefsky (2021), Coalbrookdale, Cornwall and Cylinders, pp.6-7 – see also early access version]. However, an advertisement in the Newcastle Courant for 3rd April 1725 sheds a little light.  In it, a Mr William Packer of Bristol who has relocated to Newcastle offers to cast, among a wide variety of other items, “all Sorts of Brass-work for Fire-Engines for the Coal Works”. Little is known about Packer.  From a brief search on the internet it appears he as active as a bell-founder and supplier…

  • Group of IEEC3 attendees in front of the Farme Colliery Newcomen winding engine at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life at Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, 24th March 2024

    IEEC3 – Conference complete!

    An initial short post to report that the 3rd International Early Engines Conference took place between Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th March 2024. We were delighted to welcome delegates to the fantastic Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, in North Lanarkshire. Home to a wonderful collection of objects, artefacts large and small reflecting the material, technical and social development of industry in Scotland, it is also the custodian of the remarkable Farme Colliery Newcomen winding engine. In addition to the 3 day conference, the organising committee were pleased to arrange a pre- and post- conference tour programme on Thursday 21st and Monday 25th March. We thank all attendees and the…

  • Image of cast iron beam of the static Cornish bean engine at Prestongrange industrial museum.

    IEEC3 Conference Attendees – Joining instructions

    As we approach the the Conference at Summerlee later this month, we’re delighted to share Joining instructions with Delegates who have confirmed their bookings. Additional attendees are welcome, and we would encourage all to visit the updated Conference programme page and to share any comments or queries ready for when we all arrive in Scotland. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone! IEEC3 Conference Joining instructions