John Wilkinson (entrepreneur)

John Wilkinson (1728 – 14 July 1808), known as "Iron-Mad Wilkinson," was a prominent English industrialist and ironmaster during the Industrial Revolution. He was a pioneer in the accurate boring of cylinders for steam engines and the use of cast iron in various applications, including bridges, boats, and pipes.

Wilkinson was born in Clifton, Cumberland (now Cumbria), and was initially apprenticed to a Liverpool merchant. However, he possessed a strong interest in ironworking, influenced by his father Isaac Wilkinson, also an iron founder. After a brief partnership with his father, John established his own ironworks in Broseley, Shropshire, in 1757.

Wilkinson's primary contribution lay in significantly improving the process of boring cast iron cylinders. James Watt's steam engines required precise cylinders for efficient operation. Existing methods were inadequate, producing cylinders that leaked steam. Wilkinson invented a boring machine that produced much more accurate and airtight cylinders, which were crucial for the success of Watt's engines and fueled the subsequent expansion of steam power.

Beyond engine cylinders, Wilkinson relentlessly promoted the use of cast iron in a wide array of applications. He built the first iron bridge in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, a groundbreaking engineering feat that demonstrated the structural capabilities of cast iron. He also experimented with iron boats and pipes, recognizing the potential of cast iron in construction and infrastructure.

Wilkinson was a flamboyant and somewhat eccentric character. He was a strong advocate for innovation and readily embraced new technologies. He issued his own currency, a practice that eventually led to conflict with the Bank of England. He also commissioned a cast-iron coffin for himself, which, after several moves, can now be found in the grounds of the Lindale-in-Furness church.

Wilkinson's relentless promotion and innovative use of cast iron played a critical role in the Industrial Revolution. His advancements in ironworking technology and his enthusiasm for applying cast iron to diverse applications left a lasting legacy on industrial and engineering practices. He is remembered as one of the key figures who shaped the modern industrial landscape.