Newsflash
Upcoming Schedule of Events
As we gradually return to a more normal pace of life, we're excited to be finalising details on a series of lectures and events for the upcoming year. Please check back around late May, early June to view the new schedule.
The Shed Lectures
The Newcomen Shed Lectures given online at the time of Coronavirus are now free to watch online. Learn about Britain's Iron Industry in the middle ages, British Rails TOPS system, Charles Babbage's Abstraction of Mechanism and the 'famous' Flying Scotsman.
The Newcomen Society
The Newcomen Society was founded in 1920 and takes its name from Thomas Newcomen, who invented the first practical working steam engine around 1712. We cover all aspects of engineering from ancient times to the present & run a full schedule of events that include lectures, study days and conferences in various locations annually which can be viewed here.
Since 1920 we have published over a 1000 papers in The Journal, which are an invaluable archive of original research material for historians and available in The Archive, which is free to members, while Non-members are free to browse and purchase. Newcomen Links is the society’s quarterly magazine.
Search our shop for publications on aspects of engineering history and other merchandise.
The Newcomen Newsletter
Newcomen Newsletter – Edition 6
The decline of coastal sail, the design flair of Margaret Calvert & the first four Shed Lectures. Also the latest Journal, more websites and an excellent book recommendation.
Newcomen Newsletter – Edition 5
An artistic insight into steelmaking technology and working conditions 100 years ago, the ship that carried the fatal cargo of ammonium nitrate to Beirut, and the twists and turns of civil nuclear power generation in Britain + news of the latest Journal, on-line lectures, more websites and a book recommendation.
Newcomen Newsletter – Edition 4
Bob Gwynne discusses the impact of lockdown on conservation groups - A back-street invention of a respirator for polio (with echoes of the Covid crisis) at Willcocks Engineering - Watt’s Kettle by Frances Green + Newcomen News, web-links, more reading & a free ride on Melbourne's cable trams.
Newcomen Newsletter – Edition 3
Now in its third incarnation, the Society's Newsletter includes features on Autogyros, the Cheshire Saltscape, the closing of Fiddler's Ferry power station plus more web-links, books etc.
Newcomen Newsletter – Edition 2
A 2nd Newsletter from the Society that includes 80 Years of Cavity Magnetron from WW2 Radar to Microwave Ovens, the story of Carpet Looms in Kidderminster, Mr Tetin's beloved canaries & more web-links, books etc.
Newcomen Newsletter – Edition 1
1st edition of the Newcomen Newsletter launched during the Corona Virus Pandemic. Includes Kenneth Yeomans Award, Runcorn to Widnes Bridge, Hazards of New Technology & various web-links.