The steam hammer was invented by James Nasmythe, in 1834, at his Bridgewater Foundry in Patricroft next to the canal. James was born in Edinburgh, whilst a young boy he often visited the local foundries and was fascinated by the process involved. He was also interested in steam engines, he made models of them. He settled in Patricroft after some time in London as apprentice to the great Henry Maudslay (the inventor of the modern lathe) at the Woolwich Arsenal. The industrial revolution could not have happened without certain inventions and the steam hammer was one of these. Without the steam hammer large pieces of steel could not be forged easily. (the cost savings were 50% with the steam hammer). Without these forged pieces, the great inventions could not have happened, such as Brunels great ships, and all large gunnery weapons. The original Nasmythe Bridgewater Foundry works site became the R.O.F. site. (sadly now a modern business pk). A steam hammer is displayed here. Just next to the steam hammer are a couple of interesting sights, the first is the place where Britains first canal crosses Britains first public railway! whilst secondly is the Queens Arms, the first railway pub, next door to Patricroft station. Note: The correct spelling of Nasmythe is subjective, in that there are at least four quoted variations.
