Members of the public are invited to learn more about one of the most versatile but often overlooked civil engineers of the mid-19th century, who for a time was official engineer to Rochester Bridge.
Sir William Cubitt’s achievements include the Crystal Palace, but he has largely faded from public consciousness in the shadow of contemporaries such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel and George Stephenson.
This free lecture, given by Bridge Clerk to the Trust Sue Threader, will redress the balance and highlight some of his many achievements.
Mrs Threader said: “Originally a Norfolk millwright, Sir William Cubitt invented the prison treadwheel, became a canal and railway designer and was consulting engineer for the Crystal Palace.
“Towards the end of his career he was elected President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and his final major project was the construction of the 1856 cast iron Rochester Bridge, there will therefore be much to talk about.”
The talk, entitled The life and works of Sir William Cubitt, will take place at 7pm on Thursday, 3rd March, in the Bridge Chapel, Rochester. Light refreshments will be available from 6.30pm.
It is free to attend but places are limited and must be booked. Please contact Sue O’Reilly to reserve your place by emailing sue@maxim-pr.co.uk or calling 01892 513033.
Bridge Wardens’ Lectures take place at regular intervals throughout the year. The next lecture, How to build a bridge, will be held in conjunction with National Women in Engineering Day on 23rd June. See www.rbt.org.uk for further information.