1771-Born Illogan Cornwall on April 13th.
He was to become a mechanical engineer and inventor, one of the major contributors to the development of the railway steam engine by successfully harnessing high-pressure steam.
1790-He became engineer to several Cornish Tin ore mines.
1797-He constructed high-pressure working models of both stationary and locomotive engines. The model road carriage was driven at his house in Camborne by Lady de Dunstanville and stoked by Davies Gilbert.
1801-Built his first steam carriage and tested it December 28th known as the Puffing Devil it was given trials on the road between Camborne and Tehidy. there were minor disasters, upsets and explosions. It is from this event the Cornish Song "Going up Camborne Hill Coming Down" originates.
1802-Patented his stationary and locomotive engines with his cousin Andrew Vivian.
1803-Constructed the worlds first steam railway locomotive. This year an engine was successfully driven through London and put through its paces on Lord's cricket ground.
1805-He adapted his high-pressure engine to driving an iron-rolling mill and to propelling a barge with the aid of paddle wheels.
1808-The next step took place the locomotive on rails. One of Trevithicks engines ran round and round a circular track at Euston to the vast entertainment of the passengers, until one of the rails broke and the machine overturned.
Having got so far, Trevithick abandoned railway locomotives for ship propellers and threshing machines, leaving George Stephenson to finish his work.
1816-Went to South Africa.
1827-Returned penniless to find that other engineers had profited from his inventions.
1833-Died Dartford Kent April 22nd. In poverty.