James Watt

In 1781, James Watt patented a steam engine which produced continued rotary motion with a power of about 10 horsepower. This was a highly significant contribution to the realisation of the Industrial Revolution.

Born in Scotland and educated at home, Watt was fascinated by engineering from a young age and tried set up his own business making instruments, but was blocked by the Glasgow Guild of Hammermen. Despite this setback, he set up a small workshop restoring instruments in the University of Glasgow.

While he was in his workshop, he was asked to repair a Newcomen Engine, which he noticed was very inefficient. He made many improvements.