Frederick Ransome facts for kids
Frederick Ransome (1818–1893) was a clever British inventor and businessman. He is famous for creating a special "artificial stone" and for his work on the modern cement kiln.
Frederick was born into the Ransome family, who were well-known in Ipswich for making farm equipment. His father was James Ransome.
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Frederick Ransome's Amazing Inventions
The Artificial Stone
In 1844, Frederick Ransome invented a new type of "artificial stone." He made it by mixing sand and powdered flint with a special liquid. Then, he heated this mixture in a hot steam boiler. This process made the tiny particles stick together, creating a strong material.
This artificial stone was very much like natural stone. It could be shaped and used for many things. People used it for:
- Filtering water
- Making vases
- Creating tombstones
- Adding fancy decorations to buildings
- Making grinding wheels
Frederick started the Patent Siliceous Stone Company in 1852 to sell his invention. Later, in 1865, he founded the Patent Concrete Stone Company. Even famous people like Charles Darwin supported his work!
However, over time, people started using Portland cement more. This type of cement could be mixed and poured right at a building site, which was easier. So, Ransome's artificial stone became less popular.
Where the Stone Was Made
In 1866, Frederick moved the factory for his artificial stone from Ipswich to Blackwall Lane in Greenwich. This factory was quite large, covering about four acres. It even had a special track that connected it to a dock on the River Thames.
Famous Buildings Using Ransome's Stone
Frederick Ransome's decorative stonework was used in many important places, including:
- The Brighton Aquarium
- London Docks
- The Indian Court in Whitehall
- St. Thomas's Hospital in London
- The University of Calcutta and other buildings in India
His company also made paving tiles, which were used on the Albert Bridge. They even made special memorial headstones with words carved into them.
The Rotary Cement Kiln
Frederick Ransome's most important invention was the rotary cement kiln. This machine helps make cement by heating materials in a long, spinning oven. Even though his first attempts to sell these kilns weren't a big success, his designs were brilliant.
His ideas became the foundation for successful cement kilns built in the United States starting in 1891. Soon, these types of kilns were used all over the world to make cement, which is a key ingredient in concrete.
Frederick Ransome's Later Life
Frederick Ransome became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1848. He passed away in East Dulwich on April 19, 1893. He was buried at West Norwood Cemetery.
His son, Ernest L. Ransome, was also an inventor. Ernest moved to the United States and became very important in developing reinforced concrete. This is a strong building material made by adding steel bars to concrete.
