Lincoln International Business School staff contribute to new book on Lincoln’s engineering history
Professor Heather Hughes, Dr Abi Hunt and Tom Kitchen, Lecturer in Tourism and Events Management have all contributed to The Survey of Lincoln’s latest book, Lincoln’s Engineering Industries: A Concise History, c.1780-1980s. It spotlights the important contribution made by the city over more than 200 years to the development of engineering. Attention is paid to the fortunes of Lincoln’s ‘big four’ companies, all with international reputations – Clayton & Shuttleworth, William Foster & Co., Robey & Co. and Ruston, Proctor & Co. (later Ruston & Hornsby) – but also to smaller, innovative and sometimes short-lived firms.
The work examines how the city’s engineering production changed over time, from largely agricultural engineering in the Victorian period to a more diverse range of outputs in the twentieth century. Stress is placed upon the city’s important role during the First World War as a major site of aircraft production and the birthplace of the tank. The work also examines the later development and manufacture of products such as cars, steam lorries, locomotives, excavators, gas turbines and electronic engineering outputs, including semiconductors.
Prof Heather Hughes commented, “It’s the first volume to present a comprehensive overview of Lincoln’s engineering history, which has been such an important factor in shaping the city. Engineering heritage has so much potential, too: in the visitor economy and in building strategic links with key players today, such as our partners, Siemens”
The book will be available for sale at the SLHA Bookshop, Jews’ Court, Steep Hill, and at Lindum Books, 4 Bailgate. Orders can also be made by contacting The Survey of Lincoln at surveyoflincolnsales@gmail.com.
