What is recorded here
This blue commemorative plaque records: John Smeaton, FRS Was born and lived at Austhorpe Ledge, Whitkirk, Leeds. He developed scientific methods to harness better the water, wind and steam power essential to the Industrial Revolution. He consulted nationally on the design of mills, harbours, bridges and waterways, including the Aire and Calder Navigation. He was most famous for designing and building the third Eddystone Lighthouse. The creation of the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers (1771) gave rise to the professional engineering institutions. 1724-1792 Recorded plaque organisation: Leeds Civic Trust.
Why this person mattered
John Smeaton, FRS, was a pioneering civil engineer whose advancements in materials testing and construction techniques were crucial for the Industrial Revolution; he is best known for designing the third Eddystone Lighthouse and founding the professional engineering institutions.
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