Newcomen 300
Probably the worlds most important and significant inventor was Thomas Newcomen born in Dartmouth on 24 February 1664 . He invented the world’s first steam engine in 1712. He was an ironmonger by trade and a Baptist lay preacher by calling. The engine was the catalyst that changed the world from man power to the modern day.
His engines were used to pump out water through out Cornwall’s tin mines and the Black Countries coal mines.
The only original Newcomen engine that can be shown working is believed to be the Newcomen Memorial Engine held in the Engine House, Dartmouth
Dartmouth is holding The Newcomen 300 Celebrations this July.
Celebrations 2012
Run up Events
| Feb 16th |
5.30 pm Launch at the new Community Bookshop, of ‘Thomas Newcomen of Dartmouth’ a book written by local historian Eric Preston. |
| Feb 23rd |
Thomas Newcomen Stamps printed (Royal Mail Mint: Britons of Distinction) |
| Feb/May |
Royal Avenue Gardens restructured and repaved around the Engine House to create lasting memorial to Thomas Newcomen’s engine. Also painting, refurbishing display boards and re-signing of Engine House |
| March 29th |
‘First Bus Company’ create a Park & Ride bus with Thomas Newcomen name & logo |
| April |
Launch of Painting and Poetry Competition |
| April 7th |
Bridgetown Brewery put ‘Newcomen Atmospheric Ale’ on sale in Dartmouth (4.7% proof) |
| May 22nd |
Media Launch (national & local) at refurbished Engine House - to be opened by Alvin Smith (Searaser inventor). Filming of "Steam Heat" Dance Routine. Period dress by Dartmouth Players. |
| May 26th |
Dartmouth Apprentice - Fundraiser, Supper and Auction of pictures/prizes. |
July 2 to
July 30 |
Exhibitions at Dartmouth Library & Flavel Centre |
| Celebration week Activities for July 9 – 13 |
Monday
July 9th |
Children’s Day . A day of fun activities for 6 to 10 year olds from local schools
7.30 pm at Flavel: Dartmouth Players produce a play called ‘From Flood Defend’ |
| Tuesday July10 |
7.30 pm at Flavel: Dartmouth Players: ‘From Flood Defend’ |
| Wednesday July 11 |
3.00pm Interdenominational Service of Celebration for Newcomen at St Saviour's Church
7.30 pm Film and talk on the Industrial Revolution by Adam Hart-Davis at the Flavel |
Thursday
July 12, |
7.00 pm Kingswear steam train/boat ride & reception for NS + Mayor |
Friday
July 13
|
9.15 am Newcomen Society view Engine House
10.00 am Newcomen Society Laying Chaplets at Memorial Stone
11.15 Lecture 1. Brian Corfield “Newcomen the Man”
2.00 pm Lecture 2 David Hulse “The Newcomen Engine”
4.00 pm Lecture 3. Prof David Perrett “The Archaeology of the N Engine” |
Saturday
July 14 |
Steam Fair by South Hams Vintage Steam Club on Dartmouth's Market Square
5.00 pm Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir at Bandstand
7.00 pm Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir at St Saviour's Church for concert |
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