Plaque commemorating William Murdoch
The house is grade II listed. Occupied in the late 18th century by the Scottish steam engineer/inventor William Murdoch, an employee of Boulton & Watt. He was sent to Redruth as a senior engine erector, responsible for the erection, maintenance & repair of Boulton & Watt engines, which were used in many local copper mines. While living here he made the first British model of a steam-powered carriage in 1784 (now in Birmingham Science Museum), and also invented gas lighting, first used in the house in 1792. He returned to Birmingham (the base of Boulton & Watt) in 1798.
Annually, on a Saturday in June, Redruth celebrates 'Murdoch Day' with a parade and a street market.
Plaque commemorating William Murdoch
The house is grade II listed. Occupied in the late 18th century by the Scottish steam engineer/inventor William Murdoch, an employee of Boulton & Watt. He was sent to Redruth as a senior engine erector, responsible for the erection, maintenance & repair of Boulton & Watt engines, which were used in many local copper mines. While living here he made the first British model of a steam-powered carriage in 1784 (now in Birmingham Science Museum), and also invented gas lighting, first used in the house in 1792. He returned to Birmingham (the base of Boulton & Watt) in 1798.
Annually, on a Saturday in June, Redruth celebrates 'Murdoch Day' with a parade and a street market.