William Murdock

1754 - 1839

Engineer and inventor of gas lighting. Born at Bello Mill, Lugar (East Ayrshire). Murdock worked for the engineering company of Bolton and Watt in England and improved James Watt's steam engine. He became interested in vehicular propulsion by steam. He built the first British steam-powered road vehicle in 1784 and tested it on a country lane but was not able to pursue the project because of the lack of enthusiasm of his employers.

In 1795, Murdock developed a method of clearing beer using a preparation of fish-skins, which were much cheaper and more easily available than the isinglass which had been used previously.

He was also the first man to put the idea of producing gas for lighting from coal into practical use in 1792. Many of Murdock's experiments in gas lighting were undertaken at a cave near Bello Mill overlooking the River Lugar. The cave can still be seen today. Although Murdock never patented the idea he prepared a paper on for the Royal Society and was awarded their Rumford Gold Medal in 1808.

He is buried at Hansworth, Birmingham.

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