Henry Brogden facts for kids

Henry Brogden (born September 30, 1828 – died June 21, 1913) was an important English engineer and businessman. He was born in Manchester, the third son of John Brogden, a well-known industrialist.

Henry studied at King's College, London. He also spent a year learning about trains at the locomotive factory of George Stephenson in Newcastle-on-Tyne. Henry really loved working with machines and even had a full workshop at his own home.

Working in the Family Business

When Henry was old enough, he became a partner in his father's company, John Brogden and Sons. He helped manage their many projects and business deals. Henry was known for being quiet, thoughtful, and careful in his work.

His older brother, Alexander Brogden, was more outgoing. Alexander became a Member of Parliament (MP) and led the company into many new projects. However, these ventures also led to lawsuits and eventually caused the company to go bankrupt in 1880. Henry, being more careful, managed to continue his life after the company's failure.

Engineering Achievements

Henry Brogden was a skilled engineer. He is believed to have been the engineer for the famous Stockport Viaduct. This is a very large railway bridge that is still used today. He also worked on Brogden's own railways, coal mines (collieries), and ironworks in South Wales.

Henry was recognized for his knowledge in science and engineering. He was a Fellow of the Geological Society, which means he was a respected member of a group that studies rocks and the Earth. He was also a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a group for people who design and build machines.

Life in Hale

In the 1860s, Henry bought a large house called Hale Lodge in Hale, which was then in Cheshire. After his family's company, John Brogden and Sons, faced financial difficulties in 1880, Henry Brogden continued to live at Hale Lodge. His brother Alexander, however, had to leave his large home near Ulverston. Henry Brogden lived at Hale Lodge until he passed away in 1913.

At the time, Hale Lodge was the biggest house in Hale. It was built in 1808 and was later taken down in the 1950s.