On the eve of his 300^th birthday, come and join us for a presentation commemorating the personal and professional life of local man John Smeaton, known as the Father of Civil Engineering.

John Smeaton 8 June 1724-28 October 1792

Famous mainly for designing and building the Eddystone Lighthouse, a monolithic achievement in its time, Smeaton was also involved in many other schemes including bridges, canals and other types of infrastructure.

Beginning with his childhood interests at Austhorpe, the presentation will examine how his achievements inspired many of the later 19^th century engineers and helped to shape the Industrial Revolution.

Finally, the speakers will discuss his legacy, which resonates into the 21^st century, even being recognised by NASA.

There is some parking in the grounds of the Community Centre, including for accessibility vehicles. Selby Road and nearby streets do not have parking restrictions (30 and 20mph zones), and one of the Leeds to Garforth/Selby bus routes stops right outside the Centre. Cross Gates station is also in walking distance – but uphill!

Tea and coffee will be served after the event. A bar in the Community Centre, staffed by volunteers, will be open before and after the talk. Proceeds go towards church and Community Centre upkeep.

The church will be open from 18:30 for visitors to view the Smeaton monument.

On Saturday 8 June, there will be other events at the venue: 11:30 ‘Astronomy of John Smeaton’; 14:00 ‘The making of an Engineering Genius’. There will be an exhibition too.

On Saturday afternoon there will be a Service of Commemoration in church, with a wreath laid. You are welcome to come along to these events, which will also be attended by civic guests and members of societies associated with John Smeaton.

Jacki Lawrence

Following my retirement from my job as a business analyst I joined the East Leeds History & Archaeology Society in 2004 as Meetings and Events Organiser. I soon found myself involved in researching and documenting local history stories. I am particularly proud of the society’s involvement in promoting the story of the Barnbow Lasses – those women and men who lost their lives in the major explosion at the Number One Shell Filling Factory in World War One. I really enjoy visiting local schools to tell this story. I am also a volunteer and vice chair of Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours Scheme.

Bob Lawrence

I joined the East Leeds History & Archaeology Society in 1998 and as it was in its early stages, quickly became the society’s General Secretary. I also became the Curator of the East Leeds Heritage Centre, based in Cross Gates Library. In 2007, as part of the ‘Celebrate Leeds’ activities and supported by Leeds City Council, I wrote and published ‘Smeaton of Austhorpe’, a short history of the life and times of this famous East Leeds engineer. I became President of our Society in 2008. I am also a volunteer and walk leader with Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours Scheme.

Book now

Name *

First

Last

Email address *

Phone

How many tickets would you like?123456

Are you a member of LPLS?

• Yes
• No

Sign up

• I would like to hear about LPLS news and events

Submit