Braithwaite and Ericsson
Braithwaite and Ericsson of New Road, London and Liverpool
1818 John Braithwaite, the elder died and left the engineering business to his sons John and Francis; the firm became J. Braithwaite and Co.
1823 Francis died; John Braithwaite carried on the business alone, having inherited a large connection with the London brewers, distillers, water-works companies, and being engaged in the manufacture of pumps, sinking wells, etc.
1827 John Ericsson, a Swedish engineer, became associated with the company and the name became known as Braithwaite and Ericsson.
1829 Between them and Charles Fox they designed the Novelty that took part in the Rainhill Trials.
1830 April. Patent. 'Messrs. Braithwaite and Ericsson, of New Road, London, for improved method of obtaining salt'[1]
1830 Built 2 engines: William the Fourth and Queen Adelaide for the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway but the engines arrived too late to take part in the ceremony; they were inefficient and were not retained by the railway[2]
1831 'It appears from the Mechanics' Magazine this month, that the two steam-carriages of Messrs. Braithwaite and Ericsson (named after their Majesties, the William the fourth and the Adelaide), about which there was so much talk a few months ago, are likely to realise at last all the expectations formed of them. The delay occasioned in their appearance on the railway has arisen from certain repairs that were rendered necessary by two serious accidents which happened to them; one fell over a bank and the other fell from the chains by which it was the act of being lifted from a canal barge. The William was tried the 15th and 17th inst. on the Liverpool Railway; and it would seem with great success....'[3]
1833-38 At least 14 locomotives made for American railroads.
1834 John Braithwaite left the company to concentrate on civil engineering, particularly for the Eastern Counties Railway where he later became chief engineer; he was succeeded by his brother Frederick
Ca.1836 The company became Braithwaite, Milner and Co.
Engines
- Braithwaite and Ericsson: William the Fourth
- Braithwaite and Ericsson: Queen Adelaide
- Braithwaite and Ericsson: Novelty
See Also
Sources of Information
- British Steam Locomotive Builders by James W. Lowe. Published in 1975. ISBN 0-905100-816