Thomas Bradshaw
From Graces Guide
1861 The first evidence of a steam-powered fairground ride was when Thomas Bradshaw presented his merry-go-round at the old Pot Market in Bolton on New Year's Day.
The boiler for the engine was constructed at Pollit's Boiler Yard in Lever Street, Bolton, while the engine was the work of Messrs Rogerson and Brimelow of Deansgate.
Bradshaw made the horses himself
1863 He patented his idea.
1863 A report of the Midsummer Fair in Halifax in the Halifax Courier: ‘… roundabout of huge proportions, driven by a steam engine which whirled around with such impetuosity, that the wonder is the daring riders are not shot off like cannon- ball, and driven half into the middle of next month.’ Presumably this was a Bradshaw machine.
See Also
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Sources of Information
- [1] National Fairground and Circus Archive, Sheffield University