Drainage of the Isle of Axholme
Dr Angus Townley
- Regions:
- Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby, Charity
- Fee:
- Unknown
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 2nd November 2024
- Tagged:
- Local History | Lincolnshire 17Th Century | Axholme | Vermuyden
Taming the Wild: An Engineer's Perspective on the Isle of Axholme
The Isle of Axholme, a unique region in Lincolnshire, was once a vast, watery expanse. Since Roman times, humans have battled to tame this wild landscape, transforming it into the fertile farmland we know today.
This talk delves into the fascinating history of drainage engineering in the region. We'll explore how, particularly during the 17th century under the guidance of Dutch engineer Cornelius Vermuyden, significant strides were made to drain the marshland. The legacy of Vermuyden and subsequent engineering giants like Smeaton and Rennie will be examined, highlighting their innovative approaches to further develop and refine the drainage system.
Join us as we take an engineer's eye view of this remarkable human achievement.
Views: 574 | Enquiries: 4About Dr Angus Townley
Angus Townley is based in North Lincolnshire and has a lifelong interest in local and industrial history. After earning a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Nottingham, he built a long career in market intelligence and communications within the steel industry. He is a founding trustee of Crowle Peatland Railway and chairman of the Crowle & Ealand Heritage Society. His work centres on making local heritage accessible, fostering community involvement, and preserving the peatland’s unique story.
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