Who is James Watt and why have we named a college after him?
Born in Greenock, Scotland he moved to Birmingham in the 1770s to work in partnership with local businessman, Matthew Boulton to manufacture a steam train engine cylinder.A unit of measurement of electrical and mechanical power ‘the Watt’ is named in his honour.
Three things you might not know about James Watt.
- James Watt also invented a copying press, which eventually became the photocopier.
- Watt’s interest in chemistry led to him developing a chlorine mixture used to bleach clothing.
- He is buried in St Mary’s Church, Handsworth.