Alfred Bird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Bird
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| Born | 1811 Nympsfield, Gloucestershire, England
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| Died | 15 December 1878 Kings Norton, Birmingham, England
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| Resting place | Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Inventing egg-free custard and baking powder |
| Children | Son: Alfred Frederick Bird |
Alfred Bird (born 1811 – died December 15, 1878) was an English inventor and food maker. He is famous for creating some popular food products. These include egg-free custard and baking powder.
Alfred Bird was born in Nympsfield, England. He later went to King Edward's School in Birmingham. His father was a teacher of astronomy. Alfred's son, Alfred Frederick Bird, continued his father's business.
Contents
Alfred Bird's Amazing Inventions
Alfred Bird became a pharmacist in Birmingham in 1842. He had learned his skills from Phillip Harris in the same city. He was a skilled chemist and opened his own experimental shop.
The Story of Egg-Free Custard
Alfred Bird's first big invention was egg-free custard in 1837. He used cornflour instead of eggs. He made it for his wife, Elizabeth, who was allergic to both eggs and yeast.
At first, the Birds used regular custard when they had guests. But one time, the egg-free custard was served by mistake. Everyone loved it! Alfred Bird then realized his invention could be popular. Soon after, he started 'Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd'. This company became the well-known Bird's Custard brand.
Baking Powder for Better Bread
Alfred Bird didn't stop at custard. In 1843, he invented baking powder. He wanted to make bread without yeast for his wife. The way he made baking powder is still used in most modern baking powders today.
His Later Life and Legacy
Alfred Bird passed away on December 15, 1878, in Kings Norton, Birmingham. He is buried in Key Hill Cemetery. When he died, a science journal wrote about his skills. They talked about his research in physics and weather. They mentioned his musical skills and a special water barometer he built. But they didn't even mention his famous custard or jelly!
Mr. ALFRED BIRD was born in 1811. His father, Mr. John Bird, taught astronomy at Eton College. Alfred worked as a chemist in Birmingham. He also studied physics and weather. He made beautiful glass bowls for music and played them well. He also built a special water barometer in 1859. This showed tiny changes in air pressure. He was known for his clever ideas and useful inventions.
His Son Continues the Work
His son, Alfred Frederick Bird, kept his father's work going. Bird junior invented egg substitute powder in 1890. He also created blancmange powder and jelly powder.
Today, a place called The Custard Factory in Birmingham is a creative center for artists.
See also
- August Oetker, a German who helped make baking powder popular in 1891.
- Henry Jones, a baker who invented self-raising flour in 1845.
