Title
Documents relating to the Manchester Steam Users Association
Reference
2016-2025
Production date
1875 - 2016
Creator
- Manchester Steam Users AssociationBiographyBiography
The Manchester Steam Users’ Association was established in 1854 to prevent steam boiler explosions. It employed mechanical engineers to inspect the boilers of members who subscribed to the service. The service had been proposed by the engineer Sir William Fairbairn. It is considered to be the first boiler inspection authority in Britain. At the time of its establishment, there had been a considerable number of deaths and injuries from boiler explosions across the country. Between 1864 and 1874, 617 people were killed and 997 people injured as a result of boiler explosions. The Association aimed to avoid explosions at its members’ facilities through quality inspection and remedial works with a guarantee. Members included cotton manufacturers, metal founders, saw mills, builders, and locomotive manufacturers and operators.
The Association proposed new legislation to the Home Secretary in 1876 to prevent loss of life from steam boiler explosions, and went on to draft The Boiler Explosion Bill which was first read in the House of Commons in 1881.
The Association became part of British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd in 1932. Its headquarters were at Longridge House, a purpose built office block opened in 1959. The building was destroyed by the IRA bomb in 1996.
British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd had been a subsidiary of Royal Insurance Co Ltd since 1912, and is now owned by Knapton Insurance Limited.
Scope and Content
Manchester Steam Users’ Association minute book, October 1875-March 1882, with loose items consisting of photocopies of obituaries of boiler engineers connected with the Association, and manuscript notes on the history of the Association compiled by the donor.
Extent
5 items
Physical description
Volume in fair condition. Some deterioration to the leather on the spine, but the deterioration is not friable. Loose items in fair condition with some discoloration of adhesive tape and some loss of adhesive tape.
Language
English
Archival history
The donor inherited the minute book from his father, Frank Clarke, in 1976. Frank Clarke worked as an engineering inspector for Royal Insurance from 1935-1965. At the time of his retirement, the company was disposing of old documents. Frank Clarke saved the Minute Book because he was interested in steam engines.
Royal Insurance Co Ltd had operated British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd as a subsidiary since 1912. BEBEI Co Ltd acquired the Manchester Steam Users’ Association in 1932.
Level of description
TOP
Repository name
Science and Industry Museum
Associated people and organisations
- Manchester Steam Users AssociationBiographyBiography
The Manchester Steam Users’ Association was established in 1854 to prevent steam boiler explosions. It employed mechanical engineers to inspect the boilers of members who subscribed to the service. The service had been proposed by the engineer Sir William Fairbairn. It is considered to be the first boiler inspection authority in Britain. At the time of its establishment, there had been a considerable number of deaths and injuries from boiler explosions across the country. Between 1864 and 1874, 617 people were killed and 997 people injured as a result of boiler explosions. The Association aimed to avoid explosions at its members’ facilities through quality inspection and remedial works with a guarantee. Members included cotton manufacturers, metal founders, saw mills, builders, and locomotive manufacturers and operators.
The Association proposed new legislation to the Home Secretary in 1876 to prevent loss of life from steam boiler explosions, and went on to draft The Boiler Explosion Bill which was first read in the House of Commons in 1881.
The Association became part of British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd in 1932. Its headquarters were at Longridge House, a purpose built office block opened in 1959. The building was destroyed by the IRA bomb in 1996.
British Engine Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co Ltd had been a subsidiary of Royal Insurance Co Ltd since 1912, and is now owned by Knapton Insurance Limited.
Conditions governing access
Open access.
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions.
