Mike Rowley's favourite piece in the Museum: Newcomen's letter to his family in 1727. It is the only remainining Newcomen letter, in his own hand, and shows us his concerns and beliefs, as well as the Newcomen family life in Dartmouth. Many people believe James Watt invented the steam engine. In fact Thomas Newcomen of Dartmouth installed the first working steam engine on the Earl of Dudley’s estate in 1712, 24 years before Watt was born. Why then has Newcomen been sidelined in history? The answer lies in academic insularity and in religion. Newcomen was a Baptist therefore excluded from formal education. He was an apprentice trained rural tradesman, educated within the Baptist faith whereas Watt was an instrument maker from Glasgow University. Watt became a Fellow of the Royal Society, Newcomen was deemed unworthy! A letter Newcomen wrote to his wife, Hanna in 1727 contradicts the establishment narrative. Newcomen was devout in his faith and the letter is eloquently written by an educated man. The letter and a transcribe are on display in the Hulse Collection room. Mike Rowley is Chair of Dartmouth Museum (fb)

If you're looking for something interesting to do in the warm and dry - there's lots to see at the Museum - and children get in free! (fb)