James Watt

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James Watt

James Watt (1736-1819) was a Scottish inventor, mechanical engineer and chemist who is most widely recognised for his significant improvements to the efficiency of the steam engine. These developments significantly improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the engines which are fundamentally important for powering the Industrial Revolution in Britain and overseas in partnership with Matthew Boulton at Soho in Birmingham. 

Comprehensive information including scans of original sources reflecting the achievements and multi-facet life of James Watt are available at our sister website Revolutionary Players as well as the James Watt 2019 website.

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Shapers of the West Midlands Enlightenment
Shapers of the West Midlands Enlightenment

In Enlightenment, Boulton, Watt, Wedgwood, Lunar Society,

Towards Factory Power
Towards Factory Power

WATT’S ROTATIVE STEAM ENGINE

In Watt, Steam, Industry, Boulton,

The Smethwick and Ashted Engines
The Smethwick and Ashted Engines

In Steam,

Richard Trevithick and Coalbrookdale's First Locomotive
Richard Trevithick

AND COALBROOKDALE"S FIRST LOCOMOTIVE

In Steam,

A Mighty Missionary of Civilisation and Progress
A Mighty Missionary of Civilisation and Progress

In Steam, Birmingham,

Branching Out
Branching Out

THE COMING OF THE RAILWAYS

In Railway, Steam,

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Books from History West Midlands

The Lunar Men
The Lunar Men
The Friends Who Made the Future 1730-1810

In Lunar Society,

Buy Now £6.00

The Power to change the world
The Power to change the world
James Watt (1736-1819) A Life in 50 Objects

In Watt, Black Country, Birmingham, Industry, Steam, Enlightenment,

Buy Now £7.50