ARMSTRONG

Armstrong's house 'Cragside' near Rothbury was the first in the world to be supplied with electricity from water power. Between 1839 and 1850 he invented a water-pressure wheel, a hydro-electric machine, a hydraulic crane, and a hydraulic pressure accumulator. In 1854 he designed submarine mines for use in the Crimean War. In 1859 he set up the Elswick Ordnance Company for making the Armstrong Gun for the Government under his supervision. Armstrong presented the patents of his inventions to the nation and conducted important electrical experiments at Cragside. He was a liberal benefactor of the city of Newcastle.