James Davidson civil engineer
This article is part of ICE's Engineer biographies series.
DAVIDSON, James (1798-1877), civil engineer, was born in 1798, the youngest of three sons of Matthew Davidson (q.v.), master mason of Langholm. Matthew Davidson's three sons were all born in Wales and were welcomed as apprentices of Telford in London, but in the end Thomas and John gave up engineering and became surgeons.
James, however, was already sufficiently experienced and well thought of by Telford to be appointed to succeed his father on his death in 1819. He was elected a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1820.
He described the works carried out at Clacknaharry under his father's superintendence, where the ground for the lock was preloaded, a notable case study in the early development of practical soil mechanics. The Caledonian Canal was opened to shipping in October 1822, but for many years afterwards it was necessary to carry out major repairs and improvements.
James succeeded Alexander Easton (q.v.) in 1823 as resident engineer for the whole canal, at a salary of £300 p.a., but in 1829 he was advised for the sake of his health to seek a warmer climate, and he remitted his responsibilities to George May, the toll collector at Clacknaharry; when it became clear that he would be unable to return for some time, May became resident engineer.
George May died in August 1867 and was succeeded by James Davidson once more. He had returned to live with his wife, Eliza Green, at Burnfoot, near Inverness. After his death at Inverness on 30 September 1877 his estate was recorded as £990.
Works:
- 1819-1823. Caledonian Canal, eastern section Resident Engineer
- 1823-1829- Caledonian Canal, Resident Engineer 1867-1877. Caledonian Canal, Resident Engineer
This text is an extract from A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland, published by ICE in 2002. Beginning with what little is known of the lives of engineers such as John Trew who practised in the Tudor period, the background, training and achievements of engineers over the following 250 years are described by specialist authors, many of whom have spent a lifetime researching the history of civil engineering.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).