Circular letter shows reasons for IMechE's foundation 175 years ago

During the autumn of 1846 a group of engineers met and discussed the idea of forming an Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

They composed a circular letter inviting prospective members to attend a meeting at the Queen’s Hotel, Birmingham on Wednesday 7 October 1846.

The letter stated that the aims of a new Institution would be to: “enable Mechanics and Engineers engaged in the different Manufactories, Railways and other Establishments… to meet and correspond… to increase their knowledge and give an impulse to inventions likely to be useful to the world”. The result of this meeting was the formation of a committee to draw up and agree the rules of the new Institution. 

On 27 January 1847, 56 engineers and manufacturers gathered for a general meeting to agree the rules and formally found the Institution. George Stephenson was elected the first president.

Click here to view the letter in the IMechE archives. 

For more about the anniversary plans, visit the official 175 homepage.