Monument to John Swan in Abney Park Cemetery

TQ 3386 735/12/10055

STOKE NEWINGTON HIGH STREET, N16 (west side) Monument to John Swan in Abney Park Cemetery

GV II Monument to John Swan (1787-1869). White marble pedestal surmounted by a draped urn; overgrown with ivy at time of inspection in 1997. Millward, mason. Of historical interest on account of the inscription which claims that 'few men have been greater benefactors to their country than the late John Swan. He was the original inventor of the "screw propeller "in the year '24, as now used in HMS, and published by the late Dr Birkbeck, in the Mechanics Register of the same date. The Deceased was also the inventor of the "self acting chain messenger" introduced into the navy in 1831, a saving to the nation of about £70,000 a year. Admiral Dundas frankly compensed that it was a very great saving both of money and men's lives and that the inventor deserved every encouragement, but unfortunately by some means or other the "ingenious and modest inventor" as he was styled by Dr Birkbeck never received the slightest remuneration.'

Listing NGR: TQ3345186801