Engineer. With his partner Richard Thomas Porter, he developed the first practical steam-powered road roller. He began his career as an apprentice farmer, and during his training gained knowledge of new types of farm machinery, such as the portable steam engine and the threshing machine. He then went into business with his father in law, building and repairing agricultural machinery. In 1856 he devised the first steam-powered plough, and was given a prize of three hundred guineas by Kentish farmers in recognition of the importance of his invention. He began a partnership with Richard Thomas Porter in 1863 to form the company Aveling and Porter, and went on to produce the first steam road roller in 1865. This was successfully tested in London, Chatham and Rochester, and was later exported to the United States, France and India. Aveling and Porter went on to build more traction engines and steam rollers than any other British Manufacturer, and also a small number of locomotives for work on industrial railroads. His engineering achievements earned him many honours during his lifetime, including the Knighthood of the order of Saint Francis and Joseph, and the Order of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. He is remembered today as the "father of the traction engine" and examples of his machines can be seen at the Science Museum and the Museum of London Transport, London.
Engineer. With his partner Richard Thomas Porter, he developed the first practical steam-powered road roller. He began his career as an apprentice farmer, and during his training gained knowledge of new types of farm machinery, such as the portable steam engine and the threshing machine. He then went into business with his father in law, building and repairing agricultural machinery. In 1856 he devised the first steam-powered plough, and was given a prize of three hundred guineas by Kentish farmers in recognition of the importance of his invention. He began a partnership with Richard Thomas Porter in 1863 to form the company Aveling and Porter, and went on to produce the first steam road roller in 1865. This was successfully tested in London, Chatham and Rochester, and was later exported to the United States, France and India. Aveling and Porter went on to build more traction engines and steam rollers than any other British Manufacturer, and also a small number of locomotives for work on industrial railroads. His engineering achievements earned him many honours during his lifetime, including the Knighthood of the order of Saint Francis and Joseph, and the Order of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. He is remembered today as the "father of the traction engine" and examples of his machines can be seen at the Science Museum and the Museum of London Transport, London.
Bio by: js
Inscription
IN MEMORY OF
ANNE D'URBAN
DIED SEPTEMBER 2nd 1873
AGED 73 YEARS
THOMAS AVELING
SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED MARCH 7th 1882
AGED 57 YEARS
SARAH
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
THOMAS AVELING
DIED NOVEMBER 19th 1898
AGED 71 YEARS
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