THE TECHNOLOGIST. 



ON THE ENGINEERING MANUFACTURES OF THE TYNE 

 AND NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS. 



BY PERCY WESTMACOTT, C.E., AND J. F. SPENCER. 



The north-eastern districts of the United Kingdom, long pre-eminent 

 for mining operations in coal, and more latterly ironstone, have also 

 been gradually rising into importance as the seat of most extensive 

 engineering manufactories. 



The unlimited supply of coal, an intelligent, hardworking, and 

 enterprising population, together with the engineering necessities of 

 such a large mining district, and convenient seaports, have combined 

 to create a large and increasing demand for all classes of engineering 

 manufactures. 



As early as the year 1747, the Gateshead Iron Works were com- 

 menced, and the present proprietors, Messrs. Hawks, Crawshay, and Co., 

 have now one of the largest engineering establishments on the Tyne. 

 In 1793 millwright work was undertaken at Chester-le-street, paper, 

 lead, corn, and other mills being constructed, and supplied to all parts 

 of England, Scotland, Ireland, and abroad ; in 1826 a large foundry 

 business was added. In 1809 the Walker Iron Works, owned by Messrs. 

 Losh, Wilson, and Bell, were commenced, and, as in the two establish- 

 ments previously mentioned, the variety and extent of engineering work 

 rapidly increased, as the demand arose, for an improved class ol 

 machinery and motive power. Mr. Losh, the late senior partner of the 

 firm, is well known in connection with the introduction of wrought 

 iron railway-wheels, an improvement that has materially tended to per- 

 fect the efficiency of the rolling stock. The manufacture of Losh's 

 patent wheels was at one time a very large and important branch of 

 the Walker Iron Works. 



