William Symington

William Symington (1764 to 1831) was a Scottish engineer and inventor of the Georgian era, best known as the builder of the first practical steamboat, the Charlotte Dundas. Its engine has been described as without doubt the most compact and efficient marine steam engine up to that time, and its design influenced later steamboat and steamship engines. Symington died in poverty after failing to commercialise his steam engine designs, yet he is still credited as one of the great inventors of the early Industrial Revolution. Born at Leadhills in South Lanarkshire to a family of mine mechanics, he also built steam engines for mines and mills, including at Wanlockhead.