| |
A Leeds man seen by many as one of the founders
of modern civil engineering has been remembered in his home city with the
unveiling of a blue plaque.
Born in 1724, John Smeaton's work is best known through his design for the
Eddystone Lighthouse, near Plymouth.
He has also received global recognition for his engineering works, including
plans to turn mills by wind and water.
The Leeds Civic Trust unveiled a blue plaque on the waterfront beside the
Royal Armouries museum..
Revolutionary design
Civic Trust director Kevin Grady said: "John Smeaton was one of the most
brilliant men ever to be associated with Leeds.
"He is recognised internationally as the founder of the modern civil
engineering profession."
Mr Smeaton lived almost all his life in Austhorpe and is buried at Whitkirk
Church where a memorial to him includes an image of the Eddystone
Lighthouse.
His design for the lighthouse was seen as revolutionary at the time when he
based it on the structure of an oak tree.
It withstood the ravages of the sea for more than 120 years before the waves
eroded its foundation rock and it was dismantled in 1882 and rebuilt on
Plymouth Hoe.
|
|
Facts |
|
