Michael Billingsley
Michael Billingsley of Bowling Ironworks.
In January 1803 Michael Billingsley was engaged by John Sturges and Co as Head Engineer, having previously been engaged at the ironworks at Birkenshaw. 'Although not a highly-educated man, Mr. Billingsley had great natural ability as an engineer, and had great constructive talent. Some of the first pumping and other engines were made from his designs, John Cole working out his calculations.' At Bowling, he was assisted by his brother, Edward Billingsley and by Eli Stott (draughtsman). John Cole was cashier at the works, and left in 1848 after 50 years service to co-found Cole, Marchent and Morley. The other founding partners had all worked for Sturges. On the retirement of Michael Billingsley, William Cole became Head Engineer. [1]. John Cole was presumably John Cole (1787-1863).
1802 Billingsley developed and patented a method of boring engine cylinders vertically. This was claimed to be quicker and more accurate than horizontal boring. Patent dated 22 December 1802 [2]
1804 Advert: 'PATENT VERTICAL Boring Machine.
MESSRS. JOHN STURGES, and Co. of Bowling Iron Works, near Bradford, Yorkshire, the Proprietors of Billingsley's Patent Machine, for Boring Large Cylinders, Pumps, &c. vertically, Are ready to contract with Iron Founders and Others, for the Privilege of erecting Machines upon the Patent Principle. The Proprietors can with great Confidence recommend their Patent Machine to the Attention of the Public, both from its Accuracy and Expedition in boring, having for some Time had one of them at Work, which by Application to them may at any Time be inspected.
John Sturges and Co. are now making Bar Iron of a superior Quality, which may be used for all the Purposes to which the best Foreign Iron is applied, and have at all times an Assortment of Bar, Rod and Plate Iron, at their Works at Bowling and at Holbeck, near Leeds.
J. Sturges and Co. undertake the making of Steam Engines and Boilers of all Dimensions, upon the usual Terms, under the Direction of their Engineer, Mr. Michael BILLINGSLEY.'[3]
1837 Death notice: 'Nov. 17, in his 70th rear, Mr. Michael Billingsley, of Bowling, who for upwards of 34 years eminently discharged the duties of engineer at Bowling Iron Works, near Bradford. He was the inventor of the vertical boring machine, for which be obtained a patent in the year 1802. An engineer of sound mechanical skill, correct judgment, and inventive genius, he has left but few superiors.'[4]