Goldsworthy Gurney‘s interests led him to work in many fields, from boiler systems to improving the ventilation system of the House of Commons and developing the Limelight used in theatres. He took out many patents, including one in 1827 for his new steam carriage.
‘Mr. GOLDSWORTHY GURNEY, whose name is already familiar to most of our readers, after a variety of experiments, during the last two years, has completed a STEAM CARRIAGE on a new principle. The boiler is tubular, constructed upon philosophical principles, and upon a plan totally distinct from any thing previously in use. It is composed of a succession of welded iron pipes screwed together in the manner of the common gas-pipes, forming a sort of inverted horse-shoe, and the space between is the furnace ; the whole being enclosed with sheet-iron. A contemporary journal states, “Mr. Gurney, who was educated a medical man, has actually made the construction of the human body, and of animals in general, the model of his invention.”
Coke or charcoal are to form the fuel, by which means smoke will be avoided. The carriage would carry six inside and fifteen outside passengers. In front of the coach is a very capacious boot ; while behind, that which assumes the appearance of the boot is the case for the boiler and the furnace. The length of the vehicle is fifteen feet, and with the pole and pilot-wheels, twenty feet ; of the front wheel three feet nine inches ; and of the pilot-wheels three feet. There is a treble perch by which the machinery is supported, and beneath which two propellers, in going up a hill, would be set in motion, somewhat similar to the action of a horse’s legs under similar circumstances. In descending a hill, there is a break fixed on the hind wheel to increase the friction ; but independent of this, the guide has the power of lessening the force of the steam to any extent. By this means also he regulates the rate of progress on the road, going at a pace of two miles or ten miles per hour, or even quicker if necessary. There is another lever also by which he can stop the vehicle instanter, and in a moment reverse the motion of the wheels, so as to prevent accident, as is the practice with the paddles of steam-vessels. The guide keeps the vehicle in its proper course, by means of the pilot-wheels acting upon the pole, like the handle of a garden-chair.
The weight of the carriage and its apparatus is estimated at 1½ ton, and its wear and tear of the road, as compared with a carriage drawn by four horses, is as one to six. When the carriage is in progress the machinery is not heard, nor is there so much vibration as in an ordinary vehicle, from the superior solidity of the structure. The engine has a twelve-horse power, but may be increased to sixteen : while actual power in use, except in ascending a hill, is but eight-horse.
Mr. Gurney has already secured a patent for his invention ; and he has our best wishes for his permanent success. If the steam carriage can be made general, its effects will be more important than even those of the steam-boat, as being applicable to a greater variety of purposes, more easy of employment, and involving less expence.
Mr. Gurney’s steam coach has been running every day last week in the Regent’s Park and the New Road. On Thursday, amongst other distinguished personages, besides Don Miguel, the Duke of Athol visited the carriage, as was so delighted with its appearance, that he insisted on being allowed to ride in the interior. As there are no steps yet fixed, and his grace is somewhat advanced in years it became necessary to lift him in. He remained in it for half an hour, and when he descended, acknowledged that he had never been driven better.’
This is a précis of a much longer article appearing in Drakard’s Stamford News, 18th January, 1828.