When and where was Richard Trevithick born?
Richard Trevithick was born on the 13th of April 1771 at Tregajorran in the parish of Illogan. This location sat between Camborne and Redruth within one of Cornwall's richest mineral-mining areas.
Questions about Richard Trevithick
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What invention did Richard Trevithick create around 1796?
Richard Trevithick realized that boiler technology improvements allowed safe production of high-pressure steam around 1796. This innovation enabled piston movement without relying on near-atmospheric pressure found in condensing engines.
How did Richard Trevithick die and when did his death occur?
Pneumonia took Richard Trevithick to bed for a week ending with morning death on the 22nd of April 1833. He died penniless with relatives and friends absent from his bedside while colleagues collected funeral expenses.
Where is Richard Trevithick buried today?
Richard Trevithick lies in an unmarked grave at St Edmund's Burial Ground East Hill Dartford which closed in 1857. Gravestones were removed during 1956-57 so a plaque marks the approximate spot believed to be the site.
When did Richard Trevithick build the first steam locomotive on rails?
A memorial inscription states Richard Trevithick built the first steam locomotive running on rails on the 21st of February 1804. The engine successfully hauled 10 tons iron and numerous passengers along the tramroad from Merthyr to the loading point of Glamorgan Canal.