The Georgians - Inventions

A steam engine developed by James Watt.

The steam engine was the inspiration of industrialialisation, and its major workhorse.

Thomas Newcomen invented the first steam engine in 1712 to pump water out of coal and tin mines.

It underwent a number of improvements but it was James Watt in the mid eighteenth century who spectacularly improved its efficiency.

His first engines were beam engines - ideal for pumping but not for much else. Urged on by his partner, Matthew Boulton, he devised a method of producing rotary action by adding on a fly wheel driven from the beam by a set of 'sun and planet' gears. It was this machine that rapidly turned textile manufacturing from water to steam as a source of power.

Can you name the different parts of the James Watt engine shown on this diagram?

English pottery changed very little from the Norman Conquest to the eighteenth century.

Gradual improvements were then made in the process of manufacture.

By mid century Josiah Wedgwood (shown in the picture) was leading the way in improving and cheapening methods of production.

His innovations included using steam power to grind materials, helping in the building of the canal system to transport both raw materials and finished goods, and adapting the power lathe for certain jobs.

Wedgwood potteries also supplied porcelain dentures - 12,000 in 1804 - but they didn't fit very well!

What do you think inspired the designs on some of Wedgwood's china and pottery?

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