John Grimshaw (1763-1840)
1763 Born in Guiseley
Became a joiner and turner
1793 Entered into partnership with Rowland Webster and Ralph Hill which became Grimshaw, Webster and Co, ropemakers, who established the world's first factory for making ropes by machine
1795 Married
Awarded 3 patents for improvements in ropemaking
1805 Consulted about problems with the Wearmouth Bridge. His diagnosis of the problem and suggested improvements allowed the bridge to continue in use for another 50 years.
1817 After the partnership was dissolved, he continued in the rope making business, presumably as John Grimshaw and Co
by 1818 he was part owner of Fatfield Colliery, took a kean interest in railways, working with Benjamin Thompson, and helped promote the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Also objected to proposed route for new canal.
1822 Granted a patent for flat ropes.
1825 Involved in the provisional committee for a bridge to be built connecting North and South Shields.
Also owned ships.
1840 Died without issue in Sunderland.
See Also
Sources of Information
- A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and ..., Volume 1, edited by A. W. Skempton