Peter Morris
Peter Morris (d. 1588) mechanical engineer
1575 Morris was first recorded in 1575, when he was said to be of Dutch origin and a servant of Sir Christopher Hatton, captain of the Queen's guard. In that year Morris petitioned for a patent for his 'hydraulic engines', or water-pumps.
1578 He was granted a licence for twenty-one years to build and operate this pump machinery. He negotiated to erect such engines at London Bridge, operated by undershot water wheels, to supply the city with water. At this time he was the only foreigner named by the Plumbers' Company as following that trade.
1581 Morris was granted a 500 year lease of the first arch of London Bridge, but within two years the scheme was so successful that another lease was granted for his use of the second arch.
The new engines had started work by Christmas eve 1582. Morris's system distributed Thames water by conduit to houses in the upper part of the city as far as Gracechurch Street.
At the same period river water was conducted to houses in the highest part of Norwich, but it is not known if Morris, as the patent holder, was in any way involved.
1588 Morris died in London.
After the water-wheels and machinery were damaged in the Great Fire of London, his son Thomas was empowered to rebuild his 'waterhouse', which continued in family hands until 1701
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of Peter Morris, ODNB