Bryan Donkin ( 1768 - 1855 )

Birth: Fountain Hall, Sandoe, Northumberland, England (22 March 1768) Death: 6 The Paragon, New Kent Road, London (27 February 1855) Profession: Civil engineer Research Field: Astronomy Career: Assistant working on the estate of the Duke of Dorset, Knole Park, Sevenoaks; apprenticed, at the recommendation of John Smeaton (FRS 1753) to John Hall, Dartford (1775); involved in developing an improved machine for paper-making (1802); in charge of a works for producing such machinery, Spa Road, Bermondsey (1803); patented various inventions, including a steel pen; involved in founding the Institution of Civil Engineers (1818); Member, Committee of the Thames Tunnel Company (1824); built an observatory at his house, New Kent Road; retired (1846); his machines won a Gold Medal at the Great Exhibition (1851) Memberships: FRAS; MICE; FRSA (1803); Phrenological Society of Edinburgh Membership: Fellow Election Date: 18/01/1838.