In the late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed the world, with Manchester emerging as a center of innovation, economy, and industry. Among the many figures driving this transformation was George Saxon, who founded George Saxon & Co, a major engineering company in Manchester. The company specialized in manufacturing stationary steam engines for power stations and later for Lancashire’s textile mills and other industries. Learn more about Saxon and his contributions at manchester1.one.
Who Was George Saxon?
George Saxon was born in 1821 in Manchester, a city rapidly developing during the early 19th century. Little is known about Saxon’s early life and activities, but historical accounts suggest he showed an early interest in engineering and mechanics. He studied under the renowned Scottish civil engineer, designer, and shipbuilder William Fairbairn, excelling in his training and eventually becoming a manager under Fairbairn’s guidance.
Saxon’s Entrepreneurial Journey
In 1851, Saxon began working at Benjamin Goodfellow’s factory in Hyde, near Manchester, as a foreman. After gaining valuable experience, he invented his first patented product in 1854—a fusible plug for steam boilers. That same year, he established his own company under the name Spring Works.
Despite founding his own company, Saxon continued working as a mechanic for some time. By the 1860s, he began manufacturing steam engines while also focusing on improving existing engine designs. Many of his innovations earned him patents.
One of Saxon’s key contributions was an efficient valve mechanism that allowed better control of steam flow and improved fuel economy. This enhancement increased the productivity of textile mills while reducing operational costs. Saxon’s dedication to quality and precision became hallmarks of his company, earning the trust and loyalty of clients. In 1871, he was elected president of the Manchester Association of Engineers and became a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Features of George Saxon & Co’s Products
Saxon’s engines and components quickly gained a reputation for their reliability, efficiency, and innovative design. They were not only powerful but also manufactured with unmatched precision, making them highly sought after across Manchester and beyond.
Saxon’s engines were known for their long piston strokes and high operating speeds. Initially, the company used slide valves in its engines but began incorporating Corliss valves in large mill engines by 1890. One distinguishing feature of Saxon’s engines was the absence of a wrist plate, with the valve uniquely positioned on the high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders—a notable departure from other manufacturers who used piston valves in similar positions.
As George Saxon & Co grew, so did its reputation. By the late 19th century, the company was one of the leading manufacturers of steam engines in the UK, serving clients nationwide and internationally. Saxon’s innovative designs and consistent demand for more efficient and powerful engines kept the company at the forefront of industrial engineering.
The 20th Century and Challenges
The early 20th century brought new challenges for George Saxon & Co as the textile industry evolved, adopting newer technologies and production processes that began to replace traditional steam engines. The company adapted by developing more advanced machinery and components tailored to the changing needs of the textile industry.
However, the disruptions of World War I and the decline in manufacturing capacity hit the company hard. Despite its legacy of innovation, George Saxon & Co produced its final engine in 1928. This engine, a 450 HP cross-compound unit for JJ Hadfield, featured a 16-foot flywheel with 12 ropes operating at 100 RPM. Corliss valves were used on both cylinders, and a horizontal condenser was placed behind the low-pressure cylinder.
Unfortunately, no surviving examples of Saxon’s engines remain, and none are on display in museums.
George Saxon passed away in 1879, but his sons continued running George Saxon & Co until its eventual closure. While the engines Saxon created have been lost to time, his contributions to Manchester’s industrial heritage and the broader engineering field remain significant.