IEEC3.1 04 Early Steam Engines in the Ironbridge Gorge

Early Steam Engines in the Ironbridge Gorge

                                                                              Part 1 - Broseley

                                                                              Part 2 - The Deep Pit Winding Engine, Broseley

                                                                              Part 3 - The Tuckies Pumping Engine, Jackfield

Stephen Dewhirst

An off-print from

Transactions of the 3rd International Early Engines Conference - Volume 1 pp101-134

Summary

This paper examines the history of the early steam engines on the southern bank of the River Severn. Between 1757 and 1800, six coke ironworks, one forge and one foundry were constructed, all of which used steam power. Initially, they were used as returning engines for waterwheels, but later they were used to drive machinery directly. In addition to cannon and general castings, the foundries at Benthall and Broseley, manufactured significant numbers of steam engines. An early hot-air engine designed by James Glazebrook was also used to blow the Calcutts furnace.

At the end of the 18th century, small winding engines were introduced to wind coal and ironstone. One of these remained at the Deep Pit until it was scrapped in the early 1950s, despite being considered for preservation. Fortunately, it was measured and recorded.

There was only one dedicated mine-pumping engine, which was at the Tuckies colliery. When it ceased operation in the mid-19th century, the engine house was converted into a dwelling. This was modernised in the 1980s and recorded by the Institute of Industrial Archaeology. Although some internal features were lost, it is the sole complete original engine house on the Coalbrookdale Coalfield.