• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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North’s civil engineers celebrated by ICE North East

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East is helping to celebrate the North’s rich engineering history with the launch of its ‘Great North Civil Engineers’ leaflet.

The leaflet features 12 inspirational engineers, who were responsible for and developed significant infrastructure projects across the region, as well as founders of leading engineering firms.

Michael Taylor MBE, who is the North East representative on the panel for Historical Engineering Works, with support of the ICE North East Heritage Panel, prepared the leaflet.

It features pioneering figures ranging from Robert Stephenson, who is considered the greatest civil engineer of the 19th century, and his father George, who is renowned as the ‘father of railways’, to Ove Arup, founder of the multinational firm, Arup Group, and Hadrian, the Roman emperor noted for building Hadrian’s Wall.

Michael Taylor MBE said: “The Great North Civil Engineers leaflet has been compiled to celebrate the region’s excellent cohort of engineers who have contributed so much to the profession. It is through their work that we are able to enjoy vast benefits today, including rail travel and enjoying the arts in impressive theatres and venues. Without them, the structures and systems that sustain society wouldn’t be available.

Penny Marshall, ICE Regional Director for the North East, said: “Civil engineers help to shape our world and improve lives, so it is important to recognise the achievements and work of engineering’s founder fathers, who have contributed so much to the industry and civilisation. It is also important to educate the younger generations about engineering’s importance and the influence it has on everyday life, and the leaflet is an excellent educational tool.”

Here’s a full list of the Great North Civil Engineers featured in the leaflet:

  • Charles Parsons
  • George Stephenson
  • Hadrian
  • Isaac Lowthian Bell
  • John Buddle
  • Maurice the Engineer
  • Ove Arup
  • Robert Stephenson
  • Tony Ridley
  • Walter Scott
  • William Armstrong
  • William Fisher Cassie

By Emily