According to the ODNB, John Barber designed an improved version of the
Newcomen engine.
His brother Robert (1737-1820) was also an inventor, but seems to have been
largely concerned with the textile industry.
John was bankrupt from 1780 to 1790, so could that explain why his brother's
name crops up in relation to the Coalpit heath engine?
Keith Ramsey
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
David Hardwick
Sent: 27 July 2006 18:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Engine Makers
Dear List
Relevant to investigations into a colliery site in the Coalpit Heath area
(Bristol Coalfield) is an agreement in the Bristol Record Office dated 1789
for the erection of a pumping engine.
It is to be erected "according to the model and other directions ..given by
Mr Robert Barber"
A quick internet search finds that a John Barber patented the first turbine
in 1791 and there is a reference to a John Barber
"John Barber (1734-1793) coalmaster & inventor" in the Oxford Dictionary of
National Biography (copy not sourced yet)
But I can find nothing on a Robert Barber
Any list members with any thoughts?
Regards
David Hardwick
___________________________________________________________
The all-new Yahoo! Mail goes wherever you go - free your email address from your Internet provider. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html
|