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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Thomas Newcomen

English inventor of atmospheric engine
English inventor of atmospheric engine

Thomas Newcomen, born in 1664, created the first practical fuel-burning engine in 1712. He worked on pumping water from mines and was an ironmonger and Baptist lay preacher.

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1663
Thomas Newcomen's Birth

Thomas Newcomen, an English inventor, was born in 1663. He is known for developing the atmospheric steam engine.

1663-02-24
Thomas Newcomen's Birth

Thomas Newcomen, an English inventor who developed the atmospheric steam engine, was born on February 24, 1663.

1663-02-28
Birth of Thomas Newcomen

Thomas Newcomen, the inventor of the atmospheric steam engine, was born on February 28, 1663 in Dartmouth, England.

1664-02-28
Birth of Thomas Newcomen

Thomas Newcomen, a British engineer and inventor of the atmospheric steam engine, was born in Dartmouth, Devon, England.

1685
Thomas Newcomen begins career as an ironmonger

In 1685, Thomas Newcomen started working as an ironmonger in Dartmouth, England, dealing with the trade of iron goods. He collected and refined ores that would later be used to build machines and infrastructure, playing a significant role in the British Industrial Revolution.

1698
First Experimental Steam Engine by Newcomen and Calley

In 1698, Thomas Newcomen and John Calley created an experimental steam engine with a 7-inch-diameter brass cylinder and a piston sealed with a leather flap. The purpose of this engine was to drain water out of coal mines.

1699
Thomas Newcomen patents the steam engine

In 1699, Thomas Newcomen was granted a patent for his steam engine, which was a revolutionary invention for pumping water out of mines. Collaborating with John Calley, Newcomen's steam engine design improved upon previous vacuum pump models and became known as the 'Miner's Friend.'

1704
Mending of Dartmouth Town Clock

In 1704, Thomas Newcomen mended the Dartmouth Town Clock, showcasing his skills as a blacksmith and tradesman.

1705-07-13
Marriage of Thomas Newcomen to Hannah Waymouth

Thomas Newcomen married Hannah Waymouth on July 13, 1705.

1707
Expansion of Thomas Newcomen's Businesses

By 1707, Thomas Newcomen expanded his businesses, taking out or renewing new leases on a number of properties in Dartmouth.

1708
Invention of the Atmospheric Steam Engine

In 1708, Thomas Newcomen and his partner Calley obtained a patent for an engine that combined a steam cylinder and piston, surface condensation, a separate boiler, and separate pumps. This invention marked the birth of the Atmospheric Steam Engine.

1712
Development of the First Steam Engine

Thomas Newcomen developed the first steam engine that used a piston in a cylinder, which revolutionized the process of removing water from mines and had a major impact on the Industrial Revolution.

1716
Thomas Newcomen Receives Patent for Steam-Powered Pumping Engine

In 1716, Thomas Newcomen received an official patent for his steam-powered pumping engine. This patent recognized the innovative design and functionality of Newcomen's invention.

1725
Installation of the Newcomen engine in Dartmouth

In 1725, the town fathers of Dartmouth in Devon installed a real Newcomen engine, which is believed to be non-functional but still retains its original beam after nearly 300 years. Additionally, a memorial plaque was commissioned in honor of Thomas Newcomen.

1729-08-05
Death of Thomas Newcomen

Thomas Newcomen passed away on August 5, 1729, in London, England, at the age of 65.

1733
Patent expiration of Newcomen engine

By 1733, the patent for the Newcomen engine expired, leading to over 100 engines being used in the UK and abroad.

1756
Death of Hannah Newcomen

Hannah, the wife of Thomas Newcomen, outlived him and passed away in 1756 after moving to Marlborough. She played a significant role in supporting her husband's work.

1765
James Watt's invention of the separate condenser

James Watt significantly increased the efficiency of the steam engine by inventing the separate condenser in 1765. This innovation avoided the need to alternately heat and cool the cylinder, making steam engines more efficient.

1769
James Watt patents separate condenser engine

In 1769, James Watt patented an engine with a separate condenser, which eventually superseded Thomas Newcomen's engine.

1775
Replacement of Newcomen Engine

After 1775, the Newcomen Engine started to be replaced by James Watt's improved design, which was more fuel-efficient. This transition was especially prominent in areas with expensive coal, such as Cornwall.

1800
Development of Newcomen Line of Engines

The Newcomen line of engines, also known as 'fire engines,' utilized a vacuum created by condensing steam slightly above atmospheric pressure. A small 22-inch diameter cylinder engine, with its early history dating back to before 1800, is considered a direct descendant of Newcomen's initial machine.

1850
Continued Use of Newcomen Engine at Colliery

A Newcomen engine was still in operation at a colliery in 1850, showcasing the longevity and practicality of Thomas Newcomen's invention in industrial settings.

1856
Model of Newcomen Steam Engine

In 1856, a model of a Newcomen steam engine was created. Newcomen invented the internal-condensing jet for creating a vacuum in the cylinder and an automatic valve gear. The engine was used in draining mines and powering waterwheels.

1894
R.B. Prosser's Entry on Thomas Newcomen

In 1894, R.B. Prosser contributed an entry about Thomas Newcomen in the Dictionary of National Biography, recognizing his importance and achievements.

1928
Establishment of The Newcomen Society for the History of Engineering and Technology

The Newcomen Society has been advocating for the recognition of Thomas Newcomen's contributions for almost a century. It has a dedicated following online.

2012-02-23
Royal Mail stamp featuring Newcomen's atmospheric steam engine

On 23 February 2012, the Royal Mail released a stamp featuring Newcomen's atmospheric steam engine as part of its 'Britons of Distinction' series.

2012-06-08
Thomas Newcomen

Thomas Newcomen was a British inventor who developed the atmospheric steam engine, an important technological advancement in the history of steam power.

2016-01-10
First Publication of Thomas Newcomen

The article about Thomas Newcomen was first published on January 10, 2016 on History Crunch website.

2022-03-24
Last Update of Thomas Newcomen Article

The article about Thomas Newcomen was last updated on March 24, 2022 on History Crunch website.

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Thomas Newcomen
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