Armstrong William George

Armstrong, William George, Baron, born in 1810 at Newcastle-on-Tyne, where his father was a merchant and alderman. His first invention, the hydraulic accumulator, was followed by the hydraulic crane and in 1846 his hydro-electric machine caused his election to the Royal Society. He now established the Elswick Works, and turned his attention to the improvement of heavy ordnance. With great perseverance he got the Armstrong gun adopted by Government, and presented his patents to the country, receiving knighthood and official recognition as his immediate reward. After several thousands of Armstrong's weapons had been supplied to the services, it was found that for use in the field and for penetration at short ranges the old muzzle-loading guns were safer and more effective. Armstrong, thereupon, left the service of the Crown, and returned to Elswick, where he continued to make guns and other heavy products of engineering art for any one who chose to buy them. The works at Elswick now cover forty acres, employ 3,000 artisans, and give a handsome profit to all concerned. In 1863, as President of the British Association, Sir W. Armstrong delivered an address on the limit of the coal supply, which led to the appointment of a Royal Commission. Besides the distinction of C.B., he has received an honorary degree, both at Oxford and Cambridge, and many foreign orders and decorations, and in 1887 he was raised to the peerage.