Michael Alcock
Michael Alcock (c1828-1879) Engineer of Windsor Bridge Ironworks, Salford, Manchester. He took over the works previously occupied by Thomas Dunn.
c.1828 Born the son of John Alcock, Millwright, and his wife Maria Houps.
1861 Letter from Michael Alcock to 'The Engineer' with a sketch of a proposal he made to the Ordnance Board in 1854 for strengthening cast iron gun barrels by shrinking on wrought iron hoops. The prpopsal was rejected.[1]
1865 Michael Alcock appeared on behalf of Thomas Dunn and Co of Windsor Bridge Ironworks]] at an inquest into the death of John Hughes at Aberglais Viaduct. Alcock was described as chief foreman and draughtsman to Messrs Dunn.[2]
1868 Designed a paddle steamer ferry boat described as a 'floating bridge'[3]. However, Thomas Dunn wrote to 'Engineering' on 17 January stating that Alcock had been one of his travelling engineers, and that the general design of the 'floating bridge' was originated by Mr Rastrick of London and that although Alcock had been to Portsmouth to take measurements, the detail design was carried out by staff at Dunn's works, and superintended by Joseph Dunn. He further stated that a crane described in Engineering of 27 December was not designed by Alcock, as he claimed, but by John Ramsbottom, and copied, with permission, by Messrs Dunn.[4]
1871 Made a 50-ton hydraulic dead weight testing machine for Sparrow's Osier Bed Iron Works, Penn, Wolverhampton.[5]
1871 A Boarder at 45 Ellor Street, Salford: Michael Alcock (age 42 born Bolton-le-Moors), Master Engineer - Unmarried. Also boarding with him was Frederick Burge (age 25 born Herne Bay, Kent), Mechanical Engineer - Unmarried. The house of Sarah A. Smethurst.[6]
1878 Made a 50-ton crane for John Brown and Co., Sheffield. Powered by square lineshaft driven by stationary steam engine [7]
1879 November 9th. Died. Late of 4 Broad Street, Pendleton, engineer and millwright. Proved by William Bond Knapman of West High Street, Salford, manager of ironworks, and Elizabeth Ackers of 4 Broad Street, Beer Retailer.