James Newlands

Photo by Jim North

James Newlands became Britain’s first Borough Engineer for Liverpool in 1847 and paved the way for municipal engineering as we know it today. Newlands came to the post with very little experience but he soon proved his capabilities in engineering the world’s earliest integrated sewerage system in Liverpool. The significance of this cannot be overrated. Newlands succeeded in doubling the average life expectancy during his years in office. The average life expectancy for people in Liverpool was just 19 when he entered office in 1847.

Extract from http://www.mersey-gateway.org/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.702