A BLUE plaque for inventor Joseph Bramah will officially be unveiled to the public next week 275 years after his birth - more than six years after plans were originally mooted.
On Tuesday, Mayor of Barnsley Coun Mick Stowe will unveil the blue plaque at Wentworth Castle Gardens.
The event, which has been organised by the Barnsley Civic Trust and the National Trust, begins at 11 am and is taking place on the last day of Wentworth Castle Gardens opening its doors for free during the Heritage Open Days festival.
The plaque, which was designed and funded by the Barnsley Civic Trust, was originally due to be unveiled in 2017 but was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.
It is fitting that the unveiling takes place this year, as 2023 marks the 275th anniversary of Joseph Bramah’s birth in Stainborough.
Joseph was one of Britain’s most important inventors and the father of hydraulic power. Inventions included an unpickable lock, a beer pump, a flushing toilet, hydraulic presses, and devices for pulling up trees.
Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Joseph Bramah made a significant impact on engineering during the Industrial Revolution with his ideas having a positive impact on our lives today.
“It is important that he is recognised for his contribution, and it is wonderful that the plaque has been installed in the village where he lived. It will be a very special occasion and we hope that people can go along to celebrate such an important figure in Barnsley’s history.”
John Love, chair of the Barnsley Civic Trust, added: “It has been great to work alongside the National Trust on this project and we are grateful for their support.
“We are pleased to finally be able to unveil the plaque and thereby complete this worthy project.
“We very much hope people can join us at the unveiling ceremony.”
