William Murdoch

William Murdoch (1754-1839) was the inventor of gas lighting. He was born near Cumnock, Ayrshire in Scotland. In 1877, he walked to Birmingham a distance of over 300 miles, in order to ask for a job with Boulton and Watt, the famous steam engine manufacturers. Matthew Boulton gave him a job and within a short term he was well respected within the firm.

In 1779 he was sent to Redruth[?] in Cornwall as a senior engine erector. While there he occupied his leisure time in design and invention. Among his innovations were Britain's first steam-powered roadster in 1785 and gas lighting in 1792.