John Swan (1787–1869) was an engineer who worked for the shipbuilder Charles Gordon & Co. in
Deptford. In 1824, he demonstrated the efficacy of the
screw propeller using a model boat on a pond in the grounds of Mr Gordon's house in
Dulwich.
[ Others present included Captain Forbes of the Royal Navy and Dr. George Birkbeck, who wrote in praise of the invention in ''The Mechanics' Register'',][
Swan is buried in ]Abney Park Cemetery
Abney Park cemetery is one of the "Magnificent Seven" cemeteries in London, England.
Abney Park in Stoke Newington in the London Borough of Hackney is a historic parkland originally laid out in the early 18th century by Lady Mary Abney, D ...
and his memorial is listed for preservation as Grade II.[ His inscription reads:][
]
References
1787 births
1869 deaths
British marine engineers
Engineers from London
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