Weir’d Bath: Power from the River Avon
2 April @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulteney Weir is an iconic structure, but why have it in the heart of Bath? What was its purpose? Together with the two weirs at Twerton, it was key to Bath’s fortunes. The weirs were built to help provide power to flour and textile mills when the world relied on renewable energy – but they blocked the river. How then could the Avon be made safe for boats to travel from Bath to Bristol and beyond?
Come along to hear the fascinating story of Bath’s weirs and how they and the Avon have been adapted to meet the needs of more recent times.
Tony Coverdale is a Chartered Engineer with a passion for history, particularly the application of science in engineering. He is a STEM Ambassador, aiming to introduce engineering to new audiences, and was involved with the Saltford Brass Mill Project between 2007 and 2023.
As a retired Royal Navy engineering officer, he continues to provide consultancy services on the management of safety in hazardous industries and his voluntary work is currently focused on the conservation of St Thomas a Becket’s Church, Widcombe.
