18th Century 1700-1799
John Wilkinson Ironmaster
John Wilkinson was the ‘Ironmaster’ of the industrial revolution Iron ran through the veins of John Wilkinson, who was fortunate enough to be born into the heart of the industrial revolution, both literally and figuratively. He was born in 1728, the son of Isaac Wilkinson. He worked in the iron industry at a blast furnace…
Read MoreCaroline of Ansbach Wife of King George II
Caroline of Ansbach, Queen Consort to George II, described her son as a filthy beast, was friends with Leibnitz the philosopher and Walpole the politican. She was a shrewd and intelligent woman who played the game of royalty with considerable skill.
Read MoreHardwicke’s Marriage Act 1754
Hardwicke’s Marriage Act 1754 was necessary to stamp out the problem of clandestine marriages which had become rampant in 17th and early 18th century London.
Read MoreJames Watt Industrial Revolution
James Watt the inventor of the steam engine and the industrial revolution was driven by steam but he was a man with a ferociously keen scientific mind that dabbled in many areas. This is an introduction to one of Britain’s finest engineers, we salute James Watt and his steam engines.
Read MoreWhat Caused the Industrial Revolution?
What caused the industrial revolution in 18th century Britain? Was it a great meeting together of scientific advancement and minds or something else? What part did the economy play in this frenzy of industrial advancement?
Read MoreBank of England History
Bank of England History next to the East India Company one of our oldest institutions and ironically as the old lady of Threadneedle Street one of the few ‘last men standing. Founded by an associate of Isaac Newton from Trinity College Cambridge days maybe not such a strange connection give Newton was Master of the Royal Mint. Rothschilds to the rescue, so many intriguing connections to an institution we think of as a steadying force. It was not always so. Find out more here…
Read MoreSamuel Johnson and Hodge
Samuel Johnson and Hodge his cat remembered in Gough Sq London where Samuel Johnson lived and worked on his dictionary with Hodge in attendance.
Read MoreJames Brindley Canal Builder
James Brindley canal engineer whose work in canal engineering spanned a mere 13 years. How did he manage to achieve so much for the canal building era? His work can still be seen in the centre of Birmingham.
Read MoreSpinning Jenny Industrial Revolution?
Spinning Jenny Industrial Revolution, what was this invention and what impact did it have on the textile workers of 18th century Britain? Why was the invention necessary and how did it connect with John Kay’s Flying Shuttle?
Read MoreAgricultural Revolution Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull was called the father of the Agricultural Revolution and he should be ranked along with other great thinkers of his time who embraced the agricultural, scientific and industrial revolution.
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