The Industrial and Social Impact of John Wilkinson -

conference paper below

John Wilkinson (1728-1808)

Broseley Ironmaster, Inventor and Entrepreneur Countrywide.

 Born July 14^th 1728 in Clifton, Cumbria, son of Isaac Wilkinson.

Died July 14^th 1808 in Bradley, Staffordshire.

Major achievements:

·        Many improvements in the production of iron.

·        Use of sound castings for cannon manufacture

·        Accurate boring machine for cannon

·        Method for making spiral drive grooves (rifling) to improve accuracy of cannon fire

·        Method for producing accurate, truly circular cylinders for steam engines

·        Major instigator of the use of cast iron for the Bridge at Coalbrookdale

·        Promoted use of iron for barge manufacture

·        Promoted use of railways for carrying his products down to the River Severn

·        Major investor in copper mining and refining

·        Investor in other industries including production of lead and chemicals

Paper address:   http://www.oldcopper.org/john_wilkinson.htm

• King of the Ironmasters
• New Willey
• John Wilkinson - Copper King?
• http://www.broseley.org.uk/wilkfiles/Wilkinson%20tokens.htm
• http://www.broseley.org.uk/wilkfiles/us.htm
• http://www.broseley.org.uk/bibliogr.htm#Iron%20Industry
• http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/famous_people/john_wilkinson.htm
• http://www.bahs.org.uk/05n1a4.pdf
• http://www.henrycort.net/ficumbria.htm
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/guides/halloffame/innovators/john_wilkinson.shtml
• http://www.oakengates.com/history/john_wilkinson_and_the_snedshill.htm