John Golborne
John Golborne (1724-1783), canal engineer of Cheshire
1724 Born in Chester, son of William Golborne, a schoolmaster
1735 Attended Kings School, Chester
Worked for his elder brother, James, on the River Dee
c.1754 Became Engineer to the River Dee company, which post he held until the end of his life.
1759 Worked on improvement of the Newry Canal but the scheme failed
1760 Worked on repairing a lock on the River Weaver
1768 Advised on an alternative to Smeaton's scheme for the Forth and Clyde Canal. Invited to advise on improving the navigability of the Clyde for the Clyde River Improvement Trust
1769 Recommended that James Watt be asked to check Smeaton's depth soundings of the river, which he was and confirmed Smeaton's measurements.
1769 With Brindley and Yeoman, advised on improvements to the outfall of the River Nene.
1769 Published 'The Report of John Golborne, Engineer, Concerning the Drainage of the North Level of the Fens, and the Outfal of the Wisbeach River'
1770-5 Implemented his scheme for improving the Clyde; his nephew James Golborne (1746-1819) was resident engineer.
1777 Reported on the proposal to extend Kinderley's Cut near Wisbech; this report was reprinted because of the ongoing debate.