Laurence Earnshaw facts for kids

Laurence Earnshaw (who died in 1767) was a very clever English mechanic and inventor from the 1700s. Even though he was quite famous where he lived, his amazing work wasn't widely known until much later. About 100 years after he passed away, a special monument was built to remember him in Mottram cemetery.

A Young Inventor's Start

Laurence Earnshaw was born in the early 1700s in a place called Wednescough, in Cheshire, England. His father was a weaver, someone who makes cloth. Laurence first learned his father's trade for seven years. After that, he spent four years learning to be a tailor. Then, he became an apprentice to a clockmaker in Stockport.

Laurence was super curious and interested in many different things! He loved making musical instruments, sundials (which tell time using the sun), and even bells. He also knew about gilding (adding thin gold layers), engraving (carving designs), painting, working with metal, and making optical instruments like telescopes. Plus, he was good at math, chemistry, and metallurgy (the science of metals).

Amazing Inventions

Laurence Earnshaw created several cool inventions.

Cotton Spinning Machine

In 1753, people say Laurence invented a machine that could spin and reel cotton all at once! He showed it to some of his neighbors. However, he then destroyed it. Why? He worried that if his machine was used, it might take away jobs from poor people who worked by hand. Even though this story is often told, some people don't think it's completely true.

Mine Water Pump

Laurence also designed a machine to pump water out of a coal mine. This mine was located near Hague, close to Mottram. Keeping mines clear of water was very important for miners to work safely.

The Astronomical Clock

Many people believe Laurence's greatest invention was his astronomical clock. This wasn't just a regular clock! It was a very complex machine that showed not only the time but also the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. It took him several years to build just one of these amazing clocks. He actually made many of them. One of his special clocks was sold to a very important person, Lord Bute, for £150. Later, it was owned by Lord Lonsdale.

His Life and Friends

Even with all his clever inventions and local fame, Laurence Earnshaw didn't earn much money. He remained poor throughout his life. His wife was sick and couldn't leave her bed for many years. In his later years, Laurence also became lame, which made life even harder for him.

Laurence was good friends with another famous English engineer named James Brindley. When they met, they would spend hours talking about science and engineering. Laurence Earnshaw passed away in May 1767, when he was about 60 years old. He was buried in Mottram.

Remembering Laurence Earnshaw

For a long time after he died, Laurence Earnshaw's work wasn't widely known. But about a hundred years later, things changed! A writer named William Chadwick wrote a series of articles in a newspaper called the Ashton Reporter. These articles helped people learn about Laurence's amazing life and inventions.

Because of this, people raised money to build a monument in his memory. This special monument was put up in Mottram cemetery. On April 10, 1868, there was a public procession to celebrate its opening, finally giving Laurence Earnshaw the recognition he deserved.