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Description

Newcomen Steam Engine at Elsecar

This modest looking steam engine is the oldest in the world that is still at its original location. It is part of the heritage centre at Elsecar in South Yorkshire, England. Like most early steam engines it was used to pump water out of mines, in this case coal mines.

Newcomen built the first practical steam engine in 1712. His sytem was an "atmospheric" engine, which used low pressure water vapour, rather than the high pressure type that we see in steam locomotives. James Watt later patented a more efficient version of this design, making himself very rich. Watt has since been given most of the credit for the invention.

The opening up of deeper mines helped to pave the way for the industrial revolution. This engine was built in 1794-95 in an area that was becoming important for coal mining and iron making. It remained in operation until 1923. The Elsecar heritage centre is open to the public and gives an insight into the early industrialisation of the area.

For a later steam engine in London see

Panasonic DMC-LX7, edited in Photoshop Elements. Constructive criticism welcome.

(c) bobswin.deviantart.com - February 2018. This picture is not public domain, please do not use it elsewhere.

Description

Newcomen Steam Engine at Elsecar

This modest looking steam engine is the oldest in the world that is still at its original location. It is part of the heritage centre at Elsecar in South Yorkshire, England. Like most early steam engines it was used to pump water out of mines, in this case coal mines.

Newcomen built the first practical steam engine in 1712. His sytem was an "atmospheric" engine, which used low pressure water vapour, rather than the high pressure type that we see in steam locomotives. James Watt later patented a more efficient version of this design, making himself very rich. Watt has since been given most of the credit for the invention.

The opening up of deeper mines helped to pave the way for the industrial revolution. This engine was built in 1794-95 in an area that was becoming important for coal mining and iron making. It remained in operation until 1923. The Elsecar heritage centre is open to the public and gives an insight into the early industrialisation of the area.

For a later steam engine in London see

Panasonic DMC-LX7, edited in Photoshop Elements. Constructive criticism welcome.

(c) bobswin.deviantart.com - February 2018. This picture is not public domain, please do not use it elsewhere.