A Tour Through the Northern Counties of England, and the Borders of Scotland Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1802 Excerpt: ...upon cheap terms, the prodigious supply of coals necessary for the working of its machinery; and carry back from thence, at the like easy rates, the different articles which they produce. Of these canals his Grace the Duke of Bridgwater's famous one, connecting Manchester with Worsley, claimed particular attention, as well from the boldness with which it was conceived as the ability with which it has been executed; and the essential beneficial consequences to the country at large, that have resulted from this vast speculation of a noble individual. The difficulty and expence that attended the conveyance of the production of his Grace's coal-mines at Worsley to Manchester, induced him to think of establishing a water-carriage between the two places; an idea encouraged in its first stage, matured into a plan, and carried into execution, by the abilities of James Brindley, that great selfinstru&ed engineer. This remarkable man, who exhibited in a high degree the powers of natural vigour of mind, unassisted by the adventitious adantages of regular education, was born in Derbyshire in 1716, and being the unfortunate offspring of a thriftless father, was utterly neglected till the age of seventeen, when his native genius for mechanics stirring uncontrolably within him, he burst through the trammels of the plough, to which he had been as yet tied, and bound himself apprentice to a mill-wright at Macclesfield. Having here an opportunity, 'though in a subordinate degree, of giving scope to his genius, lie quickly astonished his master and the workmen with improvements upon the old principles of the trade, and new ideas in the line of mill-machinery; talents which acquired him the management of his master's business till the old man's death. After this event Brin...