Discover the remarkable rise of the machines that transformed Britain into a global powerhouse and meet the incredible people that made them possible.
WELCOME
TIMELINE OF THE REVOLUTION
WHY BRITAIN? • The fascinating factors that took this island nation to the forefront of global industrialisation
IRONS IN THE FIRE
INDUSTRIAL PIONEERS • Meet the giants of industry who transformed a land of fields into a nation of iron and big business
THE STEAM ENGINE • For centuries the steam engine powered British industry, and even today steam plays a big part in the generation of electricity. We take a look at the men behind these major inventions
A HISTORY OF STEAM…
THE SCIENCE MUSEUM’S BEN RUSSELL • We spoke to Ben Russell, the curator of mechanical engineering at the Science Museum, to find out more about the early steam industry
WHAT WAS THE NEWCOMEN STEAM ENGINE? • How did this groundbreaking engine work and how did it help bring about the Industrial Revolution?
HOW DID THE NEWCOMEN ENGINE GENERATE POWER? • Follow our step-by-step guide to the workings of this revolutionary piece of machinery
WHAT DID WATT DO? • Today, James Watt is known as the father of the steam engine, but does he deserve all the credit?
HULLS’ NEWCOMEN STEAMBOAT • Although never made, this was one of the first attempts to create a steam-powered vessel
HAMMER OF INDUSTRY
ANATOMY OF A RAILWAY FIREMAN • Britain, 1800–1900s
RISE OF THE MACHINES HOW THE STEAM AGE CHANGED THE WORLD • One of the most important periods in modern history, the Industrial Revolution generated materials, machines, tools, vehicles and technologies that completely transformed life on Earth…
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AT A GLANCE
KEY DATES OF THE STEAM AGE • Chart some of the most game-changing inventions, developments and discoveries over 200 years
FOCUS ON THE GREAT EXHIBITION • 1851’s Great Exhibition typified the Industrial Revolution, showcasing a range of inventions and curiosities in a celebration of human ingenuity. Let’s take a look at just a few of the exhibits and where they came from…
TOWERS OF PROGRESS
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINES • When their livelihoods were threatened by mechanisation, the textile-working Luddites rose up in anger
GENERAL LUDD • Did the Luddites really base their whole movement around a fictional character?
REMEMBERING PETERLOO • We speak with historians, curators and campaigners about why it’s so important we never forget the 200-year* old tragedy of this protest for voting rights
BRUNEL IRON MAN • How Britain’s engineering superhero steered the world into a new age
Timeline
THE HOT BLAST PROCESS • By preheating the air blown into a blast furnace, fuel consumption could be dramatically reduced and its output increased
SS GREAT BRITAIN • Considered the first-ever modern ship, Brunel’s design revolutionised shipbuilding
WATT’S STEAM ENGINE • Bringing steam to the masses allowed industries to upscale their operations
DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER INDUSTRIES • With innovations in iron, steam-power and textiles, as well as electricity and steel, productivity soared in many industries
IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
GROWING UP FAST
MICHAEL FARADAY • The scientist behind electromagnetic induction who played a key role in inspiring Einstein…
A LIFE’S WORK • We highlight some key events from Faraday’s electrifying career in the 19th century
THE BIG IDEA
IN FARADAY’S FOOTSTEPS…
TOP 5 FACTS: MICHAEL FARADAY
INDUSTRIOUS WOMEN • A glimpse into the lives of four remarkable women who played a critical role in the male-dominated world of...