Dates in the life of William West of Tredenham
The Last Great Cornish Engineer
As a foundation to build my next talk around I have thrown together a few dates in William West’s life. Yes there are many gaps, and yes it is all a bit random in topics, but it does create a quick orientation time. As this series of posts progress, so will this post be updated. For a very quick biography of William West Click here>
1801
William West is born at Dolcoath
1808
West held a candle for Trevithick has he designed his ‘Catch-Me-Who-Can’ locomotive
1817 to 1819
West works at Dolcoath fitting shop
1822
West is chief working engineer at South Roskear and other mines
1828
partially the result of West’s improvement in insulation1831
- Engaged by J. T. Austin at Fowey Consols
- Austins Engine was first proposed
1833
Contract for Austen’s engine signed
1834
Austen’s Engine is started
1835
- Trial of Austen’s engine
- Received from the adventurers in Holmbush twenty-five guineas and a
silver snuff-box - First steam capstan installed at South Hooe
1837
- West became the Fowey Consols sole engineer
- The East Cornwall The engine was put up for sale by Harvey’s
The Victorian period starts
1838
The East London Engine was started
1839
- West patented the double-beat self acting valve
- West installed the Wheal Treasure long stoke engine
1840
West started working for South Caradon mine
1843
- West installed the first horizontal whim at Par Consols
- West obtained a licence to build Sims compound engines
1845
- West installed his first large Sims engine at Great Wheal Martha
- Was contractor on Brunel’s atmospheric railway
1847-1858
Brownes engine reporter is printed
1848
St. Blazey foundry is established by West
1850
William West commenced 
his association with Phoenix United Mine
1852
Tredhenam house is built
1852
- West installed his first Man engine at Fowey Consols
- Duke of Wellington is laid to rest in a Tomb made from stone cut with Wests machinery
1856
St. Austell Lower foundry purchased by West
1863
Brenton Symons publishes his map of the Caradon mining District and Webb and Geach produce their book.
1864
- The Liskeard and District Bank formed
- Newquay and Cornwall Junction Railway construction started
1867
- Fowey Consols failed
- South Fowey Consols founded
1869
Newquay and Junction Railway completed to Drinnick Mill
1868
- Penquite house purchaced
- West obtains majority shares in Phoenix United
1870
Presentation to West of a time piece by the Phoenix United miners
1872
The South Caradon man engine is installed
1873
Cornwall Minerals Railway’s Act of Parliament was laid
1874
Cornwall Minerals Railway opened
1879
1891
St. Blazey Foundry closed
1897
Phoenix United closed
The Last Great Cornish Engineer
William West of Tredenham
A paperback from the Trevitihick Society
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