Simpson and Barnes
of Manchester, maker of stationary and portable steam engines
1855 Advert: 'SIMPSON & BARNES (late Shipton and Co.) Engineers, Millwrights, Ironfounders. &c. works Grey-street, near the Railway Station, Openshaw, Manchester, beg respectfully to inform their Friends and the Public that they intend to carry on the above business in all its breaches, and trust, by assiduity and prompt attention, to obtain at share of their support.'[1]
1856 'An engine by Messrs Simpson and Barnes, of Manchester, was also exhibited at Chelmsford, having been entered by Mr. Chamberlain to work his brick machinery. The engine is somewhat similar in construction to those already described, the peculiarity being in the boiler, which has a longitudinal flue containing the firebars with a bridge at the back ; a smokebox or chamber is formed at the end, of the same size as the shell of the boiler, from which tubes are carried to a second chamber over the firebox, above which is the chimney. The objects aimed at in this construction are to gain as much heating surface as in a firebox boiler at less expense in making, and also to make use of all the gases evolved from the fuel, by the increased length to be travered before the tubes are reached.'[2]
1857 Advert: 'TO AGRICULTURISTS, CONTRACTORS. AND OTHERS.
Messrs, Simpson and Barnes, Engineers, Manufacturers of Sawing and Plaining Machinery, Hydraulic Presses, and all kinds of Mill Work, OPENSHAW, near MANCHESTER, beg to call attention to their recently improved STEAM ENGINES, portable and stationary, which will burn either coal, wood, or coke.
Messrs. S. and B. desire to draw particular attention to the strong and simple arrangement of their engines, which renders them well adapted for use in country districts and for exportation. These engines are of very superior quality, and being fitted with large cylinders, they work economically and at moderate pressures.
N.B.— The portable engines can be supplied immediately.' [A price list followed, for portable Engines, horizontal stationary engines, pumping engines, oscillating engines, boilers and fittings]. [3]
1859 Partnership dissolved [4]
1859 Sale Notice: 'TO ENGINEERS, MACHINE MAKERS, AND OTHERS.— TO BE SOLD or LET, with immediate possession, very eligible PREMISES, situate Grey-street, near the Railway station, Openshaw, late in the occupation of Simpson and Barnes, comprising foundry, fitting, pattern, and store-room; smithy, stabling, &c. They are fitted with a steam-engine and the necessary shafting; also gas apparatus. The offices are complete, and there is a lodge entrance to the works. Also a right to a supply of water from the Ashton Canal, for condensing purposes.— For further particulars apply to Messrs. J BRIDGFORD A SON, accountants, 32, Cross-street, Manchester.' [5]