James Watt red and black plaque

“Old Bess Engine. Power for the Industrial Revolution. In recognition of James Watt's improvements to the steam engine. 'Old Bess' was built by Boulton and Watt in 1777 and used to power their Soho Manufactory until 1848. this engine was the precursor of much of the power-generating plant on show in the Museum and is the oldest surviving of Watt's engines.”