Seaward and Capel
Seaward & Capel were makers of engines for steamships, of Canal Iron Works, Millwall
John Seaward, his brother Samuel Seaward and James Durnford Capel gained renown for introducing the direct-acting paddle-engine. They fitted warships as well as Thames steamers, and also made swing-bridges and cranes.
1842 After the death of Samuel Seaward, John Seward continued the business of Seaward and Co.
1838-42 See 1839-1842 Marine Engine Makers for details of engines made for the Admiralty
1841 Seaward and Capel supplied patented disconnection gear for the paddle steamer HMS Styx[1]
1843 The Penelope steam frigate (Seaward and Co of Poplar). Engines made for the steam frigate Firebrand (Seaward and Capel)[2]
1843 'Engines for the "Penelope" Frigate. — These engines, constructed by Messrs. Seaward and Capel for a frigate which is to be turned into a steam vessel, are now completed. They are of the "direct action" description, as it is called, with the connecting-rod joined immediately to the piston-rod, and situated beneath the crank. In short, these engines very much resemble those of the "Gorgon," and have all the vices and virtues of that rather heathenish variety. There are two engines, arranged side by side in the usual manner. The diameter of cylinder is 91 5/8 inches ; length of stroke 7 feet 6 3/4 inches — though of this dimension our informant did not himself seem very confident; ......[3]
1851 Seaward and Capel supplied engines for the Amazon for the West India Steam Packet Co built by R. and H. Green[4]
1852 The Amazon was lost at sea from fire, having earlier suffered from overheated bearings[5]
1854 Shear legs erected by the company at Southampton Docks c.1847 collapsed[6]
1855 Seaward and Capel exhibited machinery at the Paris Universal Exhibition[7]
1856 Subscribed £10 to the Smith Testimonial Fund, commemorating the work of F. P. Smith in promoting the screw propeller.
1856 The partnership of Seward and Capel at Canal Iron Works was dissolved; (James Durnford Capel left the business); John Seaward would be responsible for the business in future[8]
1858 John Seaward died. The yard was auctioned.
1860 the Canal Works were taken over by William Jackson and Richard Watkins.
See Also
Sources of Information
- A Short History of Naval and Marine Engineering by E. C. Smith. Published 1937
- Mechanics Magazine Volume XXXIX (39) 1843 Pt2 p46