Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

Registered UK Charity (No. 115342)

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 164,254 pages of information and 246,079 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 147,919 pages of information and 233,587 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Robert David Napier

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Robert D. Napier
1868. Napier's patent friction clutch.

Robert David Napier (c.1821-1885) of Napier Brothers

See Napier Genealogy.

1821 Born the youngest surviving son of David Napier

Educated for a time at Liverpool, and later in London.

1851 Living at Napier House, Poplar: Marion Napier (age 57 born Scotland), Engineer's Wife. With her children; Anne Napier (age 35 born Scotland); John Napier (age 33 born Scotland), Engineer; Francis Napier (age 31 born Scotland), Engineer; Robert Napier (age 28 born Scotland), Engineer; Jane Napier (age 24 born Scotland); Elizabeth Napier (age 21 born Scotland); Charlotte Napier (age 17 born Scotland); Davida Napier (age 2? born Scotland)); Alexander Napier (age 12 born Scotland). Three servants.[1]

In Australia his experience was chiefly that of marine engineering, afloat and on shore.

Invented the valuable "Differential Self-acting Friction Brake"

c.1865-6 he returned to Britain to patent and introduce his brake invention.

1867 of Birkenhead, wrote to The Engineer about hydro-propulsion[2]

Along with his brother John he established a business called Napier Brothers; the firm was successful in applying the Friction Brake in many directions, especially in the well-known Napier Windlass.

1869 of Glasgow when he wrote to The Engineer

In papers submitted to the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders, he discussed the "Special applications of the Differential Friction Clutch," which the President pronounced "one of the best mechanical inventions that had been brought under the notice of the Institution."

He carried out an exhaustive series of experiments to determine "the velocity of steam and other gases" and "the true principles of the discharge of fluids," the results of which were embodied in further contributions to the Transactions of the Institution. In common with his brothers, he inherited much of their father's inventive ability; and in private life was very highly esteemed by all who knew him.

1885 of Windlass Engine Works, Hyde Park St, Glasgow

He died at Glasgow in May 1885.

See Also

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Sources of Information

  1. 1851 Census
  2. The Engineer 1867/01/11