Iron Mad Wilkinson: Final Part.

Our next talk is all about John “Iron Mad” Wilkinson, who helped to fund and promote the Iron Bridge, the world’s first major cast-iron bridge.

Richard Sells will deliver a fascinating talk with lots of local interest: the construction of Ironbridge, working in conjunction with Thomas Telford, Wilkinson’s Seven Ironworks that includes Bradley, and the Birmingham Riots of 1791 where his home there was looted.

Additionally, Richard will illustrate/tell the audience about Wilkinson’s National & Global influences, still visible today. One of Wilkinson’s Patented Inventions: The Cupola Furnace was still unmatched 160 years after Wilkinson invented it. 

Wilkinson’s written work being used by many others to advance their own agendas: for example: his essays on Individual Rights and The First Principles of Government published 1768, influenced ‘The America Founding Fathers’. Clearly neither of these works was read by any of our recent/current Government officials!

Fittingly Richard will tell us about Wilkinson’s Burial Monument at Lindale in Cumbria. 

Do join us at the Penn Bowling and Social Club on Thursday, 17th September at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.