Industrial steam power in London, 1780–1805

Abstract

This article examines the adoption of steam power to industry in London after 1780. It demonstrates that although steam power was less intensively applied in the Capital than some areas, steam engines were installed more widely there than hitherto documented, in a range of enterprises. The article also shows that the dominance of Boulton and Watt in London has been exaggerated and examines the early use of high pressure engines.