Charles Wicksteed (engineer)

Charles Wicksteed (1847–1931) was a British engineer, businessman, and entrepreneur. He is best known as an inventor of playground equipment and as the founder of Wicksteed Park.

Biography
Wicksteed was born in Leeds in 1847. His father was Charles Wicksteed (1810–1885), a Unitarian minister. At the age of 16, he accepted an apprenticeship at locomotive manufacturer Kitson & Hewitson. When he was 21, Wicksteed founded Charles Wicksteed and Co., Ltd., a steam plow contracting business. Initially based in Norfolk, he moved operations to Kettering in 1872. In 1876, he established an engineering workshop called The Stamford Road Works. The firm was successful, and he sold his plowing business in 1894.
 
In 1907, Wicksteed's firm developed an automobile transmission. Although considered a noteworthy invention, it was a commercial failure. Wicksteed then pivoted to power tools, including hydraulic hacksaw and circular saw machines. These inventions were highly successful and subsequently mass produced.

During World War I, Wicksteed principally manufactured munitions, gauges, and gears for the war effort. After the war, he decided to give back to the community. He began development of what would eventually become Wicksteed Park. He designed the layout of the park himself, which includes a 25 acre man-made lake, racing track, and railway.

Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, and Wicksteed began manufacturing playground equipment. He is considered the inventor of the modern-day playground slide and swing. In 2013, a prototype swing of his was unearthed near Wicksteed Park dating back to the early 1920s. It is believed to be the UK's oldest working swing.

Wicksteed's company Wicksteed Leisure Limited is still manufacturing play equipment.

References

Category:1847 births
Category:1931 deaths
Category:People from Leeds