John Taylor- British Mining Genius- Key dates

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Key dates in John Taylor’s life, with a few additions from the life of William West.

1779 John was born on the 22nd August in Norwich.

1798: When aged 19 he visited  mines in Tavistock area with the Martineau family. They were so inspired by comments that  they invited him to take on management of their Wheal Friendship at Mary Tavy.

1799 Taylor reopened Crowndale mine near Tavistock.

1801 William West was born at Dolcoath in Cornwall.

1803 He laid plans for the Tavistock Canal before parliament, and an act obtained. John became engineer in charge.

1805 Taylor married Ann Pring of Awliscombe near Honiton

1806  He developed copper  crusher at Crowndale Mine.

1808 He invented a ventilation machine.

1808 Taylor emerged as leader and spokesman for mining interest. He represented mines in negotiations with Duke of Bedford.

1810 His  Son Richard was born. His sons would become partners in his company.

1812 John resigned all active commitments in Devon area to  established chemical works in Stratford Essex.

1813 He became an agent to Lord Grosvenor’s rich lead mines around Halkyn mountain, Flintshire.

1815 Taylor obtained Patents obtained to  produce gas from oil, and to refine sugar.

1816 Wheal Friendship resolved to use his services. He became Secretary to the committee.

1817 He was involved in experiments in high pressure boilers and steam engines.

1816 The Tavistock Canal was completed.

1817 Taylor bought shares in Tavistock canal, and became a member of the trustee commitee.

1817 He took up temporary residence in Tavistock area.

1817 Taylor Instigated an overhaul of Morwellham quay on the river Tamar.

1818 Hebset up Consolidated mine, in Cornwall, out of Wheal Virgin, Wheal Fortune and others.

1818 Collaboration with the engineer Arthur Woolf started.

1819 Chemical works partnership joined by John Martineau.

1819 Consolidated mine commenced production.

1820 His business expanded into mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and produced portable printing machines for Mark Brunel.

1820 Taylor acquired Land in Tavistock, and built offices and other premises in a square that still bears his name.

1820s He acquired mines in the St. Austell District, including Poolgooth, Pembroke, Crinnis, and Charlstown mines.

1822 Consolidated output £80,000 per year, making it the  largest producer in Cornwall, a position it maintained for 29 years

1823 He approached the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital offering to Survey and report on their Alston Moor Lead Mine

1824 Taylor conducted trials conducted between high pressure single cylinder engines, and low pressure compound engines.

1824 The Redruth and Chacewater Railway act was passed.The railway company was launched by Taylor and his associates.

1824 Formed British Real del Monte company to work mines in Mexico at Regla and Moran.

1825 He published a prospectus for school of mines.

1826 Taylor became a founder member and proprietor of University College London.

1830s He published several articles in the philosophical magazine and mining review supporting high pressure steam engines.

1830 Arthur Woolf retired as engineer of Consolidated, John Hocking and Michael Loam took up the position.

1830 Taylor extended the Cornish system to Cumberland, Cardingshire, and Ireland.

1830s He acquired the Coniston Copper mine in Lancashire.

1830s Took up United Mines complex and other mines in Redruth area.

1831 Taylor developed a mechanical Jigging machine.

1832 He was a founding member of The British Association for the Advancement of science .

1834 Taylor set up s tin smelting works at Charlestown, this closed at end of year.

1834 He acquired the  Lisburne Mines in mid Wales from Williams family of Scorrier.

1835 William West’s Austen’s engine achieves the maximum efficiency of any Cornish Engine.

1836 Taylor revived the Goginan Mines in mid Wales.

1837 His Sons became partners in the company.

1839 Taylor and Sons formed the Alport Mininng Company in Derbyshire.

1837 Queen Victoria’ s reign starts.

1839 He persuaded the British Association to publish Lean’s Historical Statement of improvements made into the Duty performed by Steam engines in Cornwall.

1840 Williams family took over Consolidated after a  dispute over lease renewal.

1840s Taylor represents Cornish Mining interests in Parliment against reductions in tin and copper tariffs.

1848 The Mexican mines are wound up as failure.

1848 The Company took up Polberro Consols.

1848 The company obtained the Cwymystwyth mine.

1850s He had an interest in Nouveau Mond Gold Mining Company, California and Spain.

1850 Taylor illness may have been stroke or heart attack. In the aftermath he started a process of gradual retirement.

1852 The Alport company wound up as a failure.

1860 Retired from University University College. After 18 years as treasurer.

1860 Retired from the British Association.

1861 Taylor retired from business.

1863 5th April John Taylor died after long illness.

1879 William West dies

1969 John Taylor and Son closed.