John Bell (artillerist) facts for kids

John Bell (born March 1, 1747, died June 1, 1798) was a clever English inventor and expert in artillery. Artillery means big guns, like cannons, used in wars. He created many useful tools and machines that helped the military and even saved lives.

Joining the Artillery

John Bell was born in Carlisle, England. His father was a hatter, someone who made hats. In 1765, when he was about 18 years old, John Bell joined the artillery. This meant he became an officer who worked with cannons and other large weapons.

He served in different places, including Gibraltar and various parts of England. In 1782, he was at Southsea and saw a famous ship called the Royal George sink. This event might have inspired some of his later inventions.

Clever Inventions

John Bell was always thinking of new ways to solve problems. He came up with several important inventions during his life.

Testing Cannons with "Sun Proof"

One of his most important inventions was a special way to test if cannons were safe to use. He called it the "sun proof." Before this, cannons were tested in a few ways:

• Instrumental proof: Checking the cannon with tools.
• Fire proof: Firing the cannon to see if it worked.
• Searcher: Using a special tool to look inside the cannon.
• Water proof: Filling the cannon with water to find leaks.

After these steps, Bell's "sun proof" came next. It used sunlight or a bright candle and a mirror to look inside the cannon. If there were any wet spots from the water test, it meant there were tiny holes or weak spots. This helped make sure cannons were strong and safe before they were used. This method was used for a long time at the Royal Arsenal, a place where weapons were made and stored.

Bell's Gyn and Other Tools

John Bell also invented a special lifting machine called a "gyn." This machine was used to lift heavy objects, like cannons. His version, called "Bell's gyn," was lighter and easier to move than older models.

He also created a "petard," which was a small explosive device used to break down doors or walls. A model of his petard is still kept in the Woolwich laboratory, a place for scientific research.

Bell also designed a crane for going down into mines and a harpoon for catching whales. For these two inventions, he received awards from the Society of Arts, an organization that supports new ideas.

Saving Shipwrecked Sailors

One of his most helpful inventions was a device to rescue sailors from shipwrecks. This machine was very similar to one later developed by Captain Manby. It helped throw a rope from the shore to a ship in trouble, allowing people to be pulled to safety.

For this life-saving invention, John Bell received a prize of fifty guineas from the Society of Arts. Years later, in 1815, the House of Commons (a part of the British government) voted to give £500 to his daughter, Mrs. Whitfield. This was to recognize her father's important invention that helped save many lives.

In 1793, the Duke of Richmond recognized Bell's talents and gave him a promotion to second-lieutenant in the artillery.

See also

• Manby mortar
• Coastguards of Yesteryear: "Manby Mortar or Rocket Apparatus"