William Murdoch

William Murdoch was a Scottish mechanical and gas engineer, born in 1754 at Bello Mill Farm, near Cumnock in Ayrshire. Known as one of the most creative yet lesser-known figures of the Industrial Revolution, Murdoch's ingenuity was evident from an early age. He had an excellent grasp of mechanics and, in 1777, embarked on a 300-mile walk to further his knowledge. Murdoch spent most of his career working for Boulton & Watt, where he made significant contributions, including inventing gas lighting. He was the first to put the idea of producing gas lighting from coal into practical use, even testing it in his own home in 1792. Murdoch's legacy as an innovator continues to inspire, making him a notable figure in the history of engineering and invention.