Origins & Early Life

Sir Henry Bessemer (19 January 1813 – 15 March 1898) was an English inventor, whose steel-making process was the most important technique for making steel in the nineteenth century for almost one hundred years. He played a significant role in establishing the town of Sheffield, nicknamed ‘Steel City’, as a major industrial centre. Bessemer had been trying to reduce the cost of steel-making for military ordnance, and developed his system for blowing air through molten pig iron to remove the impurities. This made steel easier, quicker and cheaper to manufacture, and revolutionised structural engineering.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

One of the most significant inventors of the Second Industrial Revolution, Bessemer made at least 128 inventions in the fields of iron, steel and glass. Unlike many inventors, he brought his own projects to fruition and profited financially from their success. In 1879, he was knighted for his contribution to science and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. Bessemer's father, Anthony, was born in London into a Huguenot family and moved to Paris aged about 21. He was an inventor who, while engaged by the Paris Mint, made a machine for making medallions...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bennelong — Contemporary (Died in 1813) (1813): Eora man who served as a crucial cultural bridge between Aboriginal Australians and the British.
• Claude Bernard — Contemporary (Born in 1813) (1813): Pioneering French physiologist who originated the concept of 'milieu intérieur'.
• David Livingstone — Contemporary (Born in 1813) (1813): Scottish missionary, explorer, and doctor famed for his anti-slavery crusade in Africa.
• Albert Luthuli — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Alexander Calder — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering American sculptor celebrated for kinetic mobiles and monumental abstract forms.
• Alvar Aalto — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering Finnish architect whose total art approach defined modern Nordic design.
• Abbas the Great — Shared historical date (01-19 · Died) (1629): Fifth Safavid Shah of Iran, considered one of the greatest rulers in Iranian history.
• Alexander Mack — Shared historical date (01-19 · Died) (1735): German clergyman and founder of the Schwarzenau Brethren movement.
• Abe Saperstein — Shared historical date (03-15 · Died) (1966): Founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, revolutionized black basketball.
• Alan Bean — Shared historical date (03-15 · Born) (1932): American astronaut, naval officer, and lunar explorer who walked on the Moon.
• 1813 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1813
• January 19 (01-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 19
• 1898 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1898
• March 15 (03-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 15