Description:Plan of 4 horse 'sun & planet' engine for Henry Goodwyn & Co., London.
The engine erected at Henry Goodwyn & Co.’s brewery in East Smithfield, London, was the first Boulton & Watt rotative engine to be erected in the capital. It was a single-acting engine, with a chain connection between the piston rod and the beam. This plan shows the round boiler behind the engine, and the wheels and shafts connecting the engine to the large wheel that had previously been turned by horses. The engine worked particularly well, and Boulton & Watt encouraged potential customers in London to go and look at it. Unfortunately the engine was destroyed by a fire in 1788. It was replaced with a large 8 horse sun & planet engine.
This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho collection, which is held by Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/2a]