Thomas Paine 1737 - 1809

occupation:
Author,
Bridge engineer,
Revolutionary
Nationality:
British; English
born in:
Thetford, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom

Paine applied for and received letters patent for his bridge design; he engaged the Walker brothers' ironworks in Rotherham to construct an arch of 90 feet, this being a more practical proposition than his original aspiration for a 250 foot span; Paine remained in Rotherham until November 1788, when the first half was completed, and then returned to London... (more details in ODNB)