James Watt's pioneering development work on the steam engine 250 years ago is the subject of a talk this week. Ian Shearer from the Friends of Kinneil charity will be talking about the inventor and his partnership with industrialist Dr John Roebuck. The talk will take place at St Catharine's Church Hall in Bo'ness on … Continue reading Find out about Watt and Roebuck
Beer festival – celebrating Watt – gets underway this weekend
The Bo'ness Real Ale Festival 2019 - which has a James Watt theme - kicks off tomorrow (Friday, September 20, 2019). The event starts at 5 p.m. on Friday and then runs from noon on Saturday, September 21. The venue for the event is Bo'ness Town Hall. On both days, beers will be served in … Continue reading Beer festival – celebrating Watt – gets underway this weekend
Verdant’s engine receives heritage award
The Boulton and Watt steam engine at Verdant Works museum in Dundee has received an Engineering Heritage Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). William Edgar CBE, IMechE Past President, unveiled a commemorative plaque. There was also a special ‘steam-themed’ musical performance from a singing group called Quire. Pictures from the event - which took … Continue reading Verdant’s engine receives heritage award
200th anniversary of Watt’s death
Today (August 25, 2019) marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Scottish inventor and engineer James Watt. Events are taking place today and over the next few months to celebrate his life and legacy. Check out our events page for the latest updates. Visit our Twitter feed for updates from around the country. Find … Continue reading 200th anniversary of Watt’s death
Papers highlight Watt’s Bo’ness connections
This week's issues of The Falkirk Herald and Bo'ness Journal newspapers are highlighting local links with James Watt - ahead of special events this weekend. The papers say: "The story of James Watt in Bo'ness reads like a James Bond plot." Read the articles here and here.
Heritage award for museum’s model engine
It was the model engine that inspired James Watt to have his big idea .... The model Newcomen Engine is now on show in a glass case in The Hunterian Museum within the University of Glasgow. It was once used for teaching and demonstrations. But it was unreliable. Between 1763 and 1764, the young James … Continue reading Heritage award for museum’s model engine
Check out free library exhibition on Watt
Bo'ness Library is hosting a free exhibition on inventor James Watt. The displays tell of Watt's early life and his partnership with Dr John Roebuck (who lived at Kinneil House, Bo'ness). They also explore Watt's move to Birmingham, how he teamed up with industrialist Matthew Boulton, Watt's other projects, his family, his role in the … Continue reading Check out free library exhibition on Watt
Watt’s final resting place hosts celebration
The Birmingham church where James Watt is buried will stage a celebration of life - on the 200th anniversary of his death. St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, also known as Handsworth Old Church, will host a "Choral Evensong" - attended by the Bishop of Birmingham and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of … Continue reading Watt’s final resting place hosts celebration
Industrial museums celebrate Watt
Scotland's industrial museums are celebrating the life and legacy of James Watt - on the 200th anniversary of his death. They are organising events and online activities as part of this year's "Go Industrial Day" on Sunday, August 25. A spokesperson said: "It seems fitting that Go Industrial should commemorate Watt, whose success was so … Continue reading Industrial museums celebrate Watt
Walk in Watt’s footsteps on Glasgow Green
History fans are being given the chance to walk in James Watt's footsteps - and hear some new poems inspired by the great man. A special history walk is being held on Glasgow Green - the place where Watt had his eureka moment to develop the steam engine using a separate condenser. The walk will … Continue reading Walk in Watt’s footsteps on Glasgow Green
