Transactions of the 3rd International Early Engines Conference
Volume 1
£40.00
Edited by Steve Grudgings and Paul Stephens
Hardback, 290 pages, illustrated throughout, 305 x 218mm
ISBN 978-1-872986-26-5
The 3rd International Early Engines conference was held at Summerlee Museum, Coatbridge in March 2024.
As with previous conferences a wide range of papers were delivered covering the development of early engines, including some water-powered machines.
The meeting was supported by a series of visits to sites in the local area where remains of early engine houses and some steam engines were inspected, including a visit to Bo’ness to see the building James Watt once used as a workshop.
This impressive volume, edited by Steve Grudgings and Paul Stephens, brings together a collection of papers presented during the first and second days of the conference.
The volume opens with a comprehensive set of papers dedicated to the Farme Colliery Engine, which is preserved at the conference venue, the Summerlee Museum. Justin Parkes provides an in-depth exploration of the history and operational context of the engine, detailing its journey into preservation. A notable addition is Steve Grudgings’ appendix, which includes Becker’s notes and photographs from a 1914 visit—capturing this Newcomen type engine still in operation at that time. Further contributions by Edward Potts and Paul Stephens discuss the skills required by enginemen, as well as the features of the engine as it exists today in preservation.
Ellie Swinbank and John Crompton present a paper that similarly examines the working life, preservation process, and current interpretation of the Caprington Colliery Engine. The restoration of this engine, now housed in the Museum of Scotland, owes much to the expertise of Geoff Hayes. Key features from the restoration are highlighted in a photographic appendix compiled by Paul Stephens and Chris Allen.
While space does not allow a full account of all the excellent contributions contained in this volume, mining historians will find substantial mining interest in several papers. Noteworthy among these are papers by Steve Dewhirst and Michael Nevell on the early engines at Ironbridge; John Kanefsky’s discussion of the Carron Company, and Mike Potts’ study of the Heslop Engine. David Hardwick’s papers on the engines in the Whitehaven area provide valuable insights into the historical development of coal mining in the town. The inclusion of extensive maps, diagrams and photographs further enhances these papers, serving as an excellent companion for anyone visiting former mining sites, particularly Saltom pit.
The concluding paper describes the acquisition of a Boulton and Watt rotative engine for John Stein’s Kennetpans distillery. This paper employs an engaging visual style to bring to life the extensive correspondence between Stein, Watt, Boulton, and others.
In summary, … Its large format and high-quality paper allow the numerous illustrations, diagrams, and photographs to be presented to good effect. While some contemporary photographs could have been sharper, this minor shortcoming does not significantly detract from the overall technical excellence of the publication. It is sure to become a standard reference work in the field.
Len Morris (NMRS)
