Who is Thomas Aveling?
Early Life and Background
Thomas moved to Hoo as a boy and remained in the area throughout his teenage years until he was a young man - working for farmer Edward Lake of Abbots Court. His Mother and Stepfather lived somewhere in 'Hoo Street' (thought to be Stoke Road, Church Street or Main Road), whilst Thomas resided at the farm during the latter of his teenage years; an arrangement which Thomas likely enjoyed, due to his Mother's 'undesirable method of training children', as described by Thomas.
Works and Accomplishments
In 1850, Thomas opened a small millwrighting and iron foundry business at 27 Edwards Yard, Rochester (where Corporation Street car park is located today) with his father-in-law Robert Lake, for the production and repair of agricultural plant. Shortly after, Thomas put his teenage experience to use and opened up a a 298 acre farm, employing 16 men and 6 boys. It is around this time that Thomas decided to try and innovate his businesses, and began experimenting with steam cultivation and brainstorming ideas on how to improve the efficiency of the movement of goods between farms, markets and commercial areas.
Thomas introduced a steam plough to the farming community within Kent, which had such success that he was gifted awards and a significant amount of money to recognise his achievement. Riding high on his endeavours, Thomas quickly registered his first patent for a self-propelled locomotive and within a year had commissioned the manufacturing of an engine based on his patent. This all lead to the creation of what was essentially the first ever traction engine. Subsequent improvements and innovations to the engine were made, as 34 iterations of the engine were produced in a single year.
In 1862, the Aveling & Porter company was born, and was manufacturing nearly 100 engines in a year, due to global interest in Aveling's designs. Aveling's company also produced other machinery such as a steam-powered roller, which helped to transform roads around the world and even created paths and roads in Central Park, New York City.
Mayor of Rochester
During 1868/69 Thomas Aveling served as the Mayor of Rochester, introducing improvements such as allowing the public to access the gardens at Rochester Castle and re-designing the layout of the remains. He also was at the forefront of the construction of The New Corn Exchange, Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School and swimming baths.
Death
Thomas Aveling died on 7 March 1882 at Boley Hill House, aged 57, as a result of contracting pneumonia after catching a chill/infection whilst on board his 28 ton yacht ‘Sally’ at the end of February. He was a keen yachtsman and sailing barge enthusiast. His funeral took place on 11 March 1882 at 12noon: Initially consisting of 37 carriages, his funeral cortège travelled from Boley Hill House to St. Werburgh Church in Hoo. 200 employees lined the route and bystanders crowded the streets in Rochester and Strood. The cortège had grown to 54 carriages by the time it had reached Hoo. His plain oak coffin was covered in beautiful wreaths (one of which was purchased by his workforce).
Exhibition: Innovation and Steam, the story of Aveling & Porter
Date: 5 Aug-5 Oct 2024 (9am-5pm)
Location: Medway Archives Centre, 32 Bryant Road, Strood ME2 3EP
Cost: Free
An exhibition to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Aveling. Call in to discover more about him and the famous local company Aveling & Porter, leading manufacturers of steam and traction mechanisms.
Hoo Peninsula Heritage Festival ft Aveling 200
Date: Saturday, 7 & Sunday, 8 at 10am-5pm
Location: Vicarage Lane, Hoo ME3 9AZ
A celebration called Aveling200 will take place in Kent’s largest village next month to celebrate the
pioneering Victorian engineer Thomas Aveling.
Aveling200 will run alongside the inaugural Hoo Peninsula Heritage Festival. There will be plenty of activities on offer, including:
- Live Music
- Entertainment
- Vintage Engines
- Tractors
- Vintage/Classic Cars
- Children’s Vintage Funfair Rides
- Historic and Victorian Characters
- Hot Food
- Refreshments
- Mobile Bar
- Ice Cream
- Picnic Area
- Traditional Side Stalls
- Fun/Interactive Attractions
- Exhibitions and Displays
- Face-Painting
- Balloon Twisting
- Magic Shows
- Assault Course
More details available by phoning 01634 255694.
