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Questions about Joseph Aspdin

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Joseph Aspdin born and where did he live?

Joseph Aspdin arrived in the world on the 25th of December 1778. He was born into a family living in Hunslet, a district within Leeds, Yorkshire.

What date did Joseph Aspdin receive British Patent BP 5022 for Portland cement?

On the 21st of October 1824 authorities granted British Patent BP 5022 to Joseph Aspdin. The legal text described an improvement in producing artificial stone using limestone mixed with clay.

Why did Joseph Aspdin name his invention Portland cement?

Aspdin chose the name Portland cement because his product resembled the best building stone available at the time. That stone came from the channel coast of England near the Isle of Portland in Dorset.

Where did Joseph Aspdin establish his production plant in 1825?

In 1825 Aspdin established a production plant in Kirkgate, Wakefield alongside partner William Beverley. The business moved about nine miles away from their original base in central Leeds.

How did Joseph Aspdin manufacture Portland cement before 1838?

The original formula fired materials below 1250 degrees Celsius using a double burning process. Flat millstones ground the mixture into powder rather than crushing hard clinkered material.