Andrew Crosse – The Thunder and Lightning Man (IA Section)

An illustrated talk by Colin White followed by a guided walk of the church and Fyne Court led by Iain Miles.

Andrew Crosse

Andrew Crosse (1784–1855) was a pioneer investigator of electricity and lived at Fyne Court. He became famous for his experiments leading to rumours that he had created living organisms from inanimate matter.

After meeting for coffee at Broomfield Village Hall, Colin White will describe Crosse’s scientific work, and the world of early electrical experimentation. Iain Miles will then lead the party on the short walk to Broomfield church to see Crosse’s original laboratory table, and to see his memorial in the churchyard, with its inscription written by his widow.

We then go to the adjacent Fyne Court, a National Trust property, where we can either take lunch in the café, or picnic in the grounds. After lunch, Iain will show us the grounds and identify features that Andrew Crosse influenced or actually created himself.

Colin White is a physicist and historian of science, specialising in the science and scientists of the West Country.
Iain Miles spent his working life in civil and mechanical engineering, is deeply engrossed in its history, and that of land drainage in the Somerset Levels.

Fee: £3 for Members of Devonshire Association and S.I.A.S., £5 for non-members

No registration is required. Coffee and tea will be available from 10 am. The event is scheduled to end by 4 pm.

There is free parking at Broomfield Village Hall for the duration of our visit. Entrance to the car park is through an open gate to the south of the hall into a field immediately behind it, where there is a back gate entry. What3words for the carpark entrance is ///silk.visit.locate.