According to William of Malmesbury, an organ in Reims was powered by heated water, claimed to be built by Pope Sylvester II.

In 1551, the Egyptian astronomer, philosopher, and engineer Taqi ad-Din described a basic steam turbine in his papers, contributing to the early development of steam-powered technology.

Steam power began to develop in the early 17th century with expensive and limited devices.

Giovanni Battista della Porta performs experiments on using steam to create pressure or a vacuum, building simple fountains similar to a percolator.

Jerónimo de Ayanz y Beaumont receives a patent for a steam-powered device for pumping water out of mines.

Salomon de Caus publishes a book showing a device similar to that of Porta.

Giovanni Branca suggests using a steam turbine device similar to that described by Taqi al-Din but intended to be used to power a series of pestles working in mortars.

In 1630, David Ramsay was granted a patent for various steam applications, including a 'fire engine'. The patent also covered unrelated inventions and the term 'fire engine' was used for many years.

Denis Papin, a French physicist, mathematician, and inventor, is best known for inventing the steam digester, a precursor to the pressure cooker. He also experimented with steam engines and vacuum creation using boiling water and steam condensation.

In 1663, Edward Somerset, 2nd Marquis of Worcester, published a selection of his inventions which included a new sort of steam pump. This pump had cooling around the containers to force steam to condense, creating a partial vacuum used for pumping water.

Denis Papin created the Digester or pressure cooker in 1679, which served as the basis for Thomas Savery's crude steam engine patent in 1698.

Christiaan Huygens published memoirs in 1680 describing a gunpowder engine that drove a piston, marking the first known description of a piston engine.

The steam engine was invented in 1698, marking a significant advancement in the history of technology.

In 1698, Thomas Savery patented the first atmospheric engine by combining the force of steam with the pressure of the atmosphere.

In 1700, steam power advanced to the point where it was used for pumping in mining operations.

In 1705, Thomas Newcomen developed the atmospheric engine, a significant advancement in steam power technology. Unlike the Savery pump, Newcomen's engine utilized a piston in a cylinder, enabling the draining of deeper mines by pulling the piston down with a vacuum when water was injected.

In 1707, Denis Papin published a study on steam power, presenting innovative ideas including using a Savery-like engine for rotary power. One of his proposals involved replacing water with a piston in a cylinder, driven by vacuum after steam condensation, although he did not build the device.

In 1712, Thomas Newcomen invented the first piston-operated steam engine, marking a significant advancement in early steam engine technology.

In 1712, Thomas Newcomen made significant contributions to the development of steam engines.

In 1713, Humphrey Potter devised a system to automate the operation of a Newcomen engine, allowing it to run at 15 strokes per minute with minimal manual intervention. This innovation significantly improved the efficiency of steam engines.

In 1718, Henry Beighton introduced an enhanced and more reliable version of the operating system for steam engines, building upon Humphrey Potter's automation. This development further optimized the performance of steam-powered machinery.

In 1720, Leupold designed an engine based on expansion, inspired by Denis Papin's concepts. The design involved two cylinders receiving steam alternately and venting to the atmosphere, although it did not see widespread implementation.

Jacob Leupold was the first known advocate of 'strong steam' in his engine scheme from around 1725. His concept appeared in encyclopedic works of the time, laying the foundation for high-pressure steam engines.

Around 100 Newcomen engines have been built by the time Newcomen's patent expires in 1733. Over the next 50 years, these engines are widely used in collieries, metal mines, municipal water supply, and pumping water over water wheels in England.

Over 100 Newcomen engines were installed around England by 1735, marking a significant advancement in steam engine technology and its application in various industries.

Josiah Hornblower installs the first commercial Newcomen engine in the USA in 1755 at the Schuyler Copper Mine in North Arlington, New Jersey, using parts imported from the UK.

In 1759, James Watt made significant improvements to the steam engine, which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution by increasing efficiency and powering various machinery.

James Watt invented the condenser, which was the first step towards the development of the steam engine.

In 1765, James Watt invents the separate condenser, a crucial improvement to the Newcomen engine. By relocating the water jet inside a smaller vessel, the condensate is evacuated into a hot well, increasing thermal efficiency by keeping the main cylinder hot at all times.

The steam engine was invented in 1769 and revolutionized various industries by converting heat energy into mechanical work through the expansion of hot steam.

In 1774, James Watt considered his steam engine design good enough for release to the market. The Watt engine featured various improvements like a small vacuum pump, low-pressure steam above the piston, and a new sealing method using tallow and oil.

In 1775, James Watt and Matthew Boulton entered into a formal partnership, marking a significant collaboration in the development of steam engine technology.

Around 1776, James Watt found the financial backing he needed for his steam engine development through a partnership with Matthew Boulton. This partnership was essential for the success and widespread adoption of Watt's engine.

In 1779, James Pickard applies the crank to a Newcomen engine, enabling rotary motion. He patents this innovation the following year, although the patent is unenforceable.

On June 3, 1780, James Pickard and Matthew Wasborough achieved a milestone by creating an engine with rotary motion. They accomplished this by adding a crank, rod, and flywheel to Newcomen's Model, enabling a more efficient and versatile operation.

In 1781, Jonathan Hornblower patented a more efficient two-cylinder 'compound' engine design, challenging James Watt's single-acting engine designs.

James Watt invented the double-acting rotary steam engine and installed the first one in a cotton spinning mill, marking a significant advancement in steam engine technology.

In 1783, James Watt made significant contributions to steam engine technology by improving its efficiency and introducing the concept of horsepower. His innovations played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution.

In 1784, William Murdoch demonstrated a model steam carriage powered by 'strong steam', showcasing advancements in steam engine technology for transportation.

In 1786, Watt introduced a double acting engine where steam pushes on each side of the piston alternately, a significant advancement from the previous single acting engines.

In 1788, James Watt created the rotative steam engine with sun-and-planet gear, which was a significant advancement in steam engine technology.

In 1790, Nathan Read invented the tubular boiler and improved cylinder, which contributed to the development of the high-pressure steam engine.

In 1791, Edward Bull made a significant design change by inverting the steam engine directly above mine pumps, revolutionizing the traditional beam design used in earlier steam engines.

In 1795, Boulton and Watt established the Soho Foundry for the manufacturing of steam engines, marking a milestone in the industrial revolution.

Englishman Joseph Branah invented the 'U' leather-packing cup, improving the efficiency of pistons within cylinders.

In 1799, Richard Trevithick constructed his first high-pressure engine at the Dolcoath tin mine in Cornwall, showcasing advancements in steam engine technology.

Richard Trevithick invented the first high-pressure steam engine in 1800, which laid the foundation for further development of reciprocating steam technology.

In 1801, Richard Trevithick constructed and operated the Camborne road engine, showcasing further advancements in steam engine technology for transportation.

In 1802, Boulton and Watt produced a double acting rotative engine, marking a milestone in the development of steam engine technology.

In 1803, American inventor Oliver Evans developed high-pressure steam engines capable of powering tasks like sawmills and grain sowing. This innovation marked a significant advancement in steam engine technology.

On 21 February 1804, at the Penydarren ironworks in South Wales, the first self-propelled railway steam engine, built by Richard Trevithick, was demonstrated, marking a milestone in steam locomotive history.

In 1807, Robert Fulton used a Watt steam engine to power the first commercially successful steamboat, marking a significant advancement in steamboat technology.

In 1808, Richard Trevithick showcased the passenger-carrying railway concept with his 'steam circus' featuring the locomotive Catch Me Who Can, demonstrating advancements in steam engine applications.

In 1811, Christopher Blackett hired Thomas Waters to construct a new flywheel locomotive, contributing to the ongoing development of steam engine technology for transportation.

In 1812, Matthew Murray demonstrated the commercial potential of steam locomotion with the Salamanca locomotive. It was the first locomotive to feature two cylinders and utilize the rack and pinion linear actuator for propulsion.

The third Wylam locomotive, constructed in 1813, had 8 wheels to distribute the axle load.

In 1814, Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick showcased the first operational railway steam locomotive in the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil. This event marked the beginning of a transport revolution that was further advanced by the Industrial Revolution and continued to evolve throughout the 20th century.

In 1815, George Stephenson constructed the Blücher locomotive, which was similar to the Blenkinsop model.

When Richard Trevithick left for South America in 1816, his steam engine improvements were continued by William Sims, contributing to the advancement of steam engine technology.

James Watt wrote an essay on the steam engine in 1819, discussing the machine that uses steam power to perform mechanical work through the agency of heat.

An illustration of the Watt atmospheric engine used for pumping water, adapted from an engraving by Stuart in 1824.

In 1825, the first public railway line was opened in England, allowing for the transportation of both industrial cargo and passengers. This event marked a significant milestone in the development of railway networks.

In 1827, Timothy Hackworth constructed the highly efficient Royal George for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, featuring a centrally-placed blastpipe in the chimney.

In 1829, the Rocket steam locomotive designed by George Stephenson became a commercial success, revolutionizing railway transportation with its innovative steam engine technology.

George Stephenson built the world's first steam-powered intercity railway line between Liverpool and Manchester in 1830, marking the beginning of the steam train revolution.

The first public railway to utilize steam locomotives commenced operations on this date.

British engineer William M’Naught developed the first multistage steam engine in 1845.

The Great Western Railway was officially opened on this day.

The Corliss steam engine, patented in 1849, was considered a significant improvement in steam engine technology since James Watt, offering better speed control and efficiency for industrial applications.

In 1854, John Ramsbottom published a report on his innovative use of oversized split steel piston rings that maintained a seal through outward spring tension on the cylinder wall. This advancement significantly improved sealing compared to earlier cotton seals, leading to higher system pressures before experiencing 'blow-by'.

The Allen steam engine, later known as Porter-Allen, was showcased at the London Exhibition in 1862. This precision engineered engine operated at three to five times the speed of other stationary engines, with a short stroke and high speed that minimized condensation in the cylinder, greatly enhancing efficiency.

The 'Tank Engine' was first introduced on this date.

In 1867, Stephen Wilcox and his partner George Herman Babcock patented the 'Babcock & Wilcox Non-Explosive Boiler'. This innovative boiler design utilized water inside tubing clusters to generate steam more efficiently and at higher pressures than traditional 'firetube' boilers, gaining popularity in new installations.

The Corliss steam engine powered all the machinery in Machinery Hall at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, showcasing the capabilities of steam power.

In 1879, the electrification of railways began, revolutionizing the way trains were powered and operated.

In 1881, Alexander C. Kirk successfully installed the first practical triple expansion marine engine in SS Aberdeen. This marked a significant advancement in marine engine technology, showcasing the use of high-pressure boilers for improved efficiency.

The steam turbine was developed in 1884 and offered a more compact and efficient alternative to reciprocating steam engines, allowing for higher temperatures and greater expansion ratios.

Stanley Steamers utilize a fire-tube boiler to power the double-acting two-cylinder engine, outselling gas vehicles from 1899 to 1905.

In 1906, superheating of steam was introduced, enhancing the efficiency and power of steam engines in various industrial applications.

The uniflow engine, invented in 1911, was the most efficient type of high-pressure engine. Although initially used in ships, it was eventually replaced by steam turbines and marine diesel engines.

Nikola Tesla patents a bladeless steam turbine based on the boundary layer effect, although it is not commercially utilized due to low efficiency.

The Doble Model C steam car is introduced at the National Automobile Show, with limited production leading to the company's closure in 1931.

Alan Arnold Griffith publishes a theory on turbine design that significantly enhances efficiency, leading to advancements in power plant and jet engine technology.

Dokter Schmidt invented the superheating of steam, a process that increases the efficiency of steam engines by raising the temperature of steam above its saturation point. This innovation was later utilized in British Railway locomotives.

In the second half of the 20th century, interest in the steam engine was revived due to growing concerns over air pollution from internal-combustion engines burning fossil fuels.

In 2004, on the bicentenary of Trevithick's locomotive demonstration, the Royal Mint honored his pioneering role in railway locomotion by releasing a commemorative £2 coin bearing his name and invention. This recognition came long after Trevithick's death, highlighting his lasting impact on steam engine technology.

On August 25, 2009, Team Inspiration from the British Steam Car Challenge surpassed the previous speed record set by a Stanley Steamer in 1906, achieving a new speed record of 139.843 mph (225.055 km/h) at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

On August 26, 2009, Team Inspiration further solidified their achievement by setting another speed record of 148.308 mph (238.679 km/h) over a measured kilometer.

The website was updated on May 21, 2013, as mentioned in the footer of the page. The update may include new information or changes to the existing content.