Anthony Grimshaw, The Secretary, 6, Bridgeman Terrace, WIGAN, Lancashire WN1 1SX

Wigan Civic Trust

Robert Daglish was born in Northumberland just like George Stephenson and John Blenkinsop. But he doesn’t get the same regard. Robert Daglish should get more credit than he does for his engines were working two years before George Stephenson had “Blucher” working, - and sixteen years before the Rainhill Trials.

His engines worked successfully for thirty-six years & then one was converted into a stationary engine cutting hay and mixing provender at a local colliery (Norley) only being scrapped in the 1920’s.

In the 1930’s a model was made of Daglish’s engine. by Eli Banks a member of Wigan and District Model Engineering Society. The last place this can be traced is the former Miners Convalescent Home Blackpool. Wigan, at the very least, should have a Blue Plaque for Robert Daglish. It could be at Orrell Lodge (Wish FM) which was where Daglish lived.

Sources:
D.Anderson – The Orrell Coalfield 1740-1850 ibsn 0-903485 23 0
Wigan Archives and Library Services
Wikimedia –Salamanca
Wikipedia – Robert Daglish
GracesGuide Robert Daglish

Produced by P.J.Taylor, for Wigan Civic Trust September 2013. With thanks to Wigan Archives.