James Watt Biography and Timeline

Birth of James Watt

Birth of James Watt

University Instrument Maker

Begins work as a mathematical instrument maker for the University of Glasgow.

Role range: 1756-1764

Macfarlane Observatory Instruments

Restores and installs astronomical instruments for the University's new Macfarlane Observatory.

Role range: 1756-1764

Separate Steam Condenser

Develops the idea of the separate steam condenser while working in Glasgow.

Industrial Revolution

Invents a condensing steam engine

Invention of Steam Engine

Invents a condensing steam engine

Move to Birmingham

Watt moves to Birmingham to develop his steam engine with Matthew Boulton.

Boulton and Watt Partnership

Watt and Matthew Boulton begin commercial production of improved steam engines.

Steam Engine Patent

Receives an extended steam-engine patent, allowing Boulton and Watt to commercialise improved engines.

Industrial Revolution

A fundamental change in working principles In close collaboration with Englishman Matthew Boulton, succeeded in perfecting his steam engine, which incorporated a series of radical improvements, notably the closing off of the upper part of the cylinder thereby making the low pressure steam drive the top of the piston instead of the atmosphere, use of a steam jacket and the celebrated separate steam condenser chamber

Invention of Steam Engine

A fundamental change in working principles In close collaboration with Englishman Matthew Boulton, succeeded in perfecting his steam engine, which incorporated a series of radical improvements, notably the closing off of the upper part of the cylinder thereby making the low pressure steam drive the top of the piston instead of the atmosphere, use of a steam jacket and the celebrated separate steam condenser chamber

Patent

James watt patents a double-acting rotary steam engine

Industrial Revolution

The Watt steam engine had been fully developed into a double-acting rotative type, which meant that it could be used to directly drive the rotary machinery of a factory or mill

Invention of Steam Engine

The Watt steam engine had been fully developed into a double-acting rotative type, which meant that it could be used to directly drive the rotary machinery of a factory or mill

Invention of Steam Engine

1st Boulton & Watt steam engines are used for spinning at a factory in Nottinghamshire

Soho Foundry

Supports the Soho Foundry as Birmingham becomes a centre of steam-engine production.

Death of James Watt

James Watt dies at Heathfield in Handsworth after a celebrated engineering career.