Sources of Power

Synopsis

The need for power was fundamental to the expanding industries of the 18th and 19th centuries. Water power was the first answer, but the geographical limitations led to the development of steam power in the growing industrial centres. Professor Donald Cardwell looks at the rise of the big workhorses of the industrial revolution, and the buildings that housed them. Shot on several locations throughout Britain where stationary steam engines survive, maintained by enthusiasts, it gives an impression of the size and scale of 19th century power requirements, and is a reminder that steam and water power are just as important today.

Series

Technology and Change, C1750-1914, Course A281

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1984

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Industrial archaeology - introduction to power sources. Engineering students - background studies. History of technology courses.*

Subjects

Technology

Keywords

history of technology; power; steam power; water power

Credits

Producer

Neil Cameron

Cast

Donald Cardwell

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk