James Watt (d1819) was a Scottish inventor and engineer, whose work included improvements to the steam engine, which were key in bringing about the Industrial Revolution. The statue of Watt is by Sir Francis Legatt Chantrey. The inscription on the statue reads: 'Not to perpetuate a name, which must endure while the peaceful arts flourish, but to show that mankind have learned to honour those who best deserve their gratitude, the king, his ministers, and many of the nobles and commoners of the realm raised this monument to James Watt who directing the force of an original genius early exercised in philosophic research to the improvement of the steam engine enlarged the resources of his country, increased the power of man and rose to an eminent place among the most illustrious followers of science and the real benefactors of the world. Born at Greenock MDCCXXXVI. Died at Heathfield in Staffordshire MDCCCXIX'. (Wikipedia)
This is part of the Volume: AL2028 Victor Prout photographs of Westminster Abbey interiors; within the Collection: VAP01 Victor Prout photographs of Westminster Abbey interiors
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Prout, Victor
Medieval Abbey, Medieval Benedictine Monastery, Georgian Statue
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