Leeds is the third largest city in the UK, so it isn’t surprising that it’s home to many talented and successful people. In this article, we will tell you about the outstanding English mason, businessman and inventor who received a patent for Portland cement, Joseph Aspdin. He was born and started his business in Leeds. Learn more about this famous figure at leedski.com.
How did he start his business?
The future businessman was born in Leeds in 1778. He grew up in a large family. His father was a bricklayer. Joseph decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and also mastered the trade of bricklayer. In 1811, Joseph married Mary Fotherby.
In 1817, Joseph Aspdin decided to open a business in the centre of Leeds. The entrepreneur began to conduct experiments related to the production of cement and gradually developed it.
As a result, in 1824, Aspdin received the British patent BP 5022 entitled An Improvement in the Mode of Producing an Artificial Stone. By the way, it was Aspdin who introduced the term Portland cement.
Development of the business
In 1825, Joseph Aspdin set up a plant producing Portland cement in Kirkgate. Joseph founded it with his partner William Beverley. In the same year, he received his second patent for the production of lime.
In 1838, the factory was closed and the land was bought by the Manchester and Leeds Railway Company.
In 1841, William Beverley stopped the partnership with Joseph Aspdin. Joseph stated that the company bore no responsibility for the debts of his former partner.
By the way, in 1843, William created a new factory for the production of stronger cement near London.
Later, Joseph transferred his business to his son and died in 1855.
What is known about Portland cement?
The businessman called his invention Portland cement because the set mortar made from it resembled “the best Portland stone”. By the way, Portland stone was the most prestigious building material at that time and was often used in England.
Aspdin’s product was used for stuccos and architectural precast mouldings, which required low-strength cement. Portland cement was just like that.
The product was fired at a low temperature (below 1250°C) and therefore didn’t contain any alite. In addition, Portland cement is considered artificial and was made as an analogue of Parker’s Roman cement.
In the modern period, Portland cement is one of the most common types in the construction industry. It has several features that distinguish it from other types of cement. For example,
- A mixture of raw materials (clay, limestone, silica) is heated at a high temperature in special furnaces.
- Portland cement is often used for the production of concrete, as well as for the construction of stairs, pillars, walls, and foundations.
- It is of high strength and durability. This product is resistant to water, fire and other external factors.
Joseph Aspdin is a prominent resident of Leeds, who became famous throughout the world thanks to his invention and entrepreneurial activities. Inventing that product was a great achievement and a big step forward at that time. Joseph Aspdin was focused and confidently did his job.
We hope that our article was informative and that you learned more information about this famous person who was born in Leeds.