Lord William George Armstrong (1810-1900) was an English industrialist, engineer, and inventor who made significant contributions to the fields of hydraulics, electricity, and armaments. Born on November 26, 1810, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Armstrong initially pursued a career in law before turning to engineering, where he left an indelible mark on the industrial landscape of the 19th century.
Early Life and Education
Armstrong was the son of William Armstrong, a wealthy corn merchant and ship-owner, and his wife, Anne. He was educated at Bishop Auckland Grammar School and later at The Royal Grammar School in Newcastle. Armstrong developed an early interest in engineering and science, which was further cultivated by his mentor, the local engineer William Ramshaw.
Legal Career and Shift to Engineering
Armstrong began his professional life as a solicitor after being articled to Armorer Donkin, a Newcastle solicitor, in 1833. However, his passion for engineering led him to invent the hydraulic crane in 1846. This invention proved highly successful and marked a turning point in his career. Realizing the potential of his invention, Armstrong left the legal profession to focus on engineering.
Hydraulic Engineering
In 1847, Armstrong founded the engineering company W.G. Armstrong & Co. in Elswick, Newcastle. The firm specialized in hydraulic machinery, and Armstrong's innovations included the hydraulic accumulator, which became a fundamental component of hydraulic systems.
Contributions to Armaments
During the Crimean War, Armstrong turned his attention to artillery, inventing the Armstrong Gun in 1854. This rifled, breech-loading gun was adopted by the British Army and Navy, revolutionizing artillery technology. Armstrong's work in this area led to the formation of the Elswick Ordnance Company, which later merged with W.G. Armstrong & Co.
Electrical Engineering
Armstrong also made significant contributions to electrical engineering. In 1880, he installed an early hydroelectric machine at his home, Cragside, in Northumberland. Cragside became the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power, showcasing Armstrong's vision for integrating engineering innovations into everyday life.
Philanthropy and Honors
Armstrong was a noted philanthropist, donating to various causes including education and public health. He was instrumental in founding Newcastle University, then known as Armstrong College. In recognition of his contributions to engineering and industry, Armstrong was made a baronet in 1887 and elevated to the peerage as Baron Armstrong of Cragside in 1903.
Legacy
Lord Armstrong died on December 27, 1900, at Cragside. His legacy lives on through the numerous technological advancements he pioneered and the companies he founded. Armstrong's work laid the groundwork for modern hydraulic and electrical engineering and had a lasting impact on the industrialization of the 19th century.
References
- Kirby, Maurice W. The Armstrongs of Elswick: Growth in Engineering and Armaments to the Merger with Vickers. Cambridge University Press, 1977.
- McKenzie, Peter. William Armstrong: Magician of the North. Tyne Bridge Publishing, 2019.
- Cross, Rob. Cragside: The National Trust Guide. National Trust Books, 2014.
- Hadfield, Charles. Armstrong and the Waterways. David & Charles, 1969.
- Newell, D. William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong (1810–1900), Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004.