A Description of the Faults or Dykes of the Mineral Basin of South Wales – Classic Review

The world’s first steam locomotive journey in 1804 by Trevithick’s engine is famous. But what about the engineer who constructed the Penydarren (Merthyr) tramroad over which it ran? His name was George Overton, a man responsible for surveying and building hundreds of miles of tramroad.

In 1825 Overton published a book titled A Description of the Faults or Dykes of the Mineral Basin of South Wales (Part 1). However, more than half the volume deals with his contribution to South Wales tramroads. Being of considerable age the book is now in the public domain and can be downloaded free from Google Books. This post is the first of at least three Classic Reviews and will include books by Francis Trevithick on his father Richard and the diaries of influential locomotive engineer Sir Daniel Gooch.

A crucial figure in the history of South Wales tramroads

The Preface to Overton’s book gives us an insight into his complex character. He tacitly accepts his strong opinions by apologizing for giving ‘undue weight’ to them. Conversely he acknowledges that his work is likely to contain errors and invites readers to contact him with corrections.  The following Introductory Observations section includes the geologically related content which informs the title of the book. Finally, constituting two thirds of the book (52 of 79 pages), Part 3 covers Tramroads, Railways. This is unsurprising considering Overton’s considerable expertise on the subject.

The details of his early years are uncertain. However, by the 1790s he was working on the tramroads around Dowlais, connecting the ironworks with limestone transported via the Glamorganshire canal. He provides details of these before describing his most famous work, the tramroad from the Penydarren, Dowlais and Plymouth ironworks with the canal at Navigation House, modern day Abercynon. This 9 mile tramroad, built to avoid the influence of Richard Crawshay was the track over which the Trevithick locomotive ran.

Tramroads preferred to railways…..but definitely no locomotives!

Overton provides an analysis of the advantages of railways (or edge rails – the ones we are most familiar with today) and tramroads (also known as plateways). Being most experienced in tranways he naturally comes down in their favour.

Overton intended there to be a Second Volume and he outlined the subjects which it would contain. It would have included a further geological analysis of parts of the Mineral Basin, canals and docks, project management of large undertakings and more. Sadly I can find no record of it and it was likely never written as Overton passed away in 1827.

In Summary

A fascinating insight into the work and opinions of one of the great 19^th century engineers who is largely unknown today. A book full of apparently contradictory views clearly resulting from deep uncertainties in a time of profound revolutionary change. Highly recommended for a contemporary view of early railway development.

Note: In consideration of the unique nature of the books in the Classic Reviews I will be giving no Good/Not so Good roundup which is a feature of normal book reviews.

Outline Contents

• Preface
• Introductory Observations
• Tramroads, Railways

Related reviews

Diaries of Sir Daniel Gooch, Baronet by Daniel Gooch
Early Limestone Railways by John van Laun
Life of Richard Trevithick with an Account of His Inventions by Francis Trevithick
Merthyr Tydfil Tramroads and their Locomotives by Gordon Rattenbury and M.J.T. Lewis
Steam on the Sirhowy Tramroad and its Neighbours by Michael Lewis
Early Limestone Railways by John van Laun
Life of Richard Trevithick with an Account of His Inventions by Francis Trevithick
Merthyr Tydfil Tramroads and their Locomotives by Gordon Rattenbury and M.J.T. Lewis
Steam on the Sirhowy Tramroad and its Neighbours by Michael Lewis