When and where was John Wilkinson born?
John Wilkinson entered the world in Little Clifton, Cumberland, during 1728. His father Isaac worked as a potfounder at the local blast furnace.
Questions about John Wilkinson (industrialist)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What invention did John Wilkinson create for James Watt's steam engines?
Wilkinson invented a boring machine in 1774 where the shaft held the cutting tool extended through the cylinder. This design supported the shaft on both ends unlike cantilevered borers then in use.
How much iron output did John Wilkinson produce by 1796?
By 1796, he produced about one-eighth of Britain's total cast iron output. He bought the Brymbo Hall estate in Denbighshire during 1792 to expand further north.
Who designed the iron bridge that opened in Broseley in 1781?
Thomas Farnolls Pritchard wrote to Wilkinson with plans for a bridge connecting Broseley across the River Severn. The project concluded successfully in 1779 and opened to the public in 1781.
When did John Wilkinson die and what was his net worth?
John Wilkinson died on the 14th of July 1808 at his works in Bradley likely from diabetes. He left a very large estate worth more than £130,000 in his will.