Engine that powered 1890s Britain honoured with prestigious award

Peter Willans Central Valve Steam Engine, which generated the majority of electricity in 1890s Britain, today received the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Engineering Heritage Award (Friday 18 November).

The development of the Willans engine was fundamental to the growth of electricity usage in homes, factories and even ships and a crucial step forward in the countrys industrialisation. Indeed, by 1892 his generators accounted for over two thirds of all electricity generated in Britain.

John Wood, Former President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said:

Peter Willans huge contribution to the industrialisation of the UK and the mainstream use of electricity, has sadly largely been forgotten.Willans untimely death cut short a life which was full of invention and promise and I hope this award goes some way to recognising the importance of this impressive example of British engineering, as well as Peter Willans achievements more generally.

Alain Foote, Manager of Steam Turbine Service Engineering at Alstom, and Institution of Mechanical Engineers Industrial Liaison Officer, said:

Alstom is pleased that its pioneering role in the early development of power generation in the UK has been recognised with this award.

This particular engine was built in 1901 in Rugby, and 140 horse-power, three crank compound engine was in service for 57 years. In 1892 these generators accounted for 68% of all electricity generated in Britain. The engine has recently been refurbished and is in display at Willans Works the Alstom Training Centre in Rugby. John Wood will present the award to Roger Beaumont, Director of Steam Turbines at Alstom at a ceremony at the works on Friday.

Peter Willans, a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, died aged just 41 after an accident in a horse and cart.

Notes

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the worlds greatest engineers in its history books. It currently has over 98,000 members, representing mechanical engineers involved in a diversity of fields such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries. For more information on the Engineering Heritage Awards: http://www.imeche.org/eha

The Engineering Heritage Awards were established in 1984 and aim to recognise and promote great engineering artefacts and sites around the UK.  The Willans engine will be the 68th Engineering Heritage Award recipient.  Past recipients include HMS Belfast, Wellington Bomber, the Royal Arsenal, the Harrier, Thames Barrier and the Vulcan Bomber.