John Hall (engineer)

During Hall's lifetime, he helped mechanise the papermaking industry, co-founded the first UK canning firm, and developed steam engines for land and marine use.

[1] John Hall moved to Dartford in April 1784, and was employed by a Mr T H Saunders to repair a mill on the River Darent in Hawley.

By late spring 1813 they were appointing agents on the south coast to sell the preserved food to outbound ships,[5] and the British Admiralty placed large orders with the firm of Donkin, Hall and Gamble for tinned meat.

[1] The company also designed and patented (1835), the first trunk engine, fitted on board the paddle steamer "Dartford," built at Gravesend.

[9] Hall and his family also proved educational opportunities, with a Methodist Sunday School opened in a cottage which formed part of the ironworks.

The plaque at St Edmund's Burial Ground, East Hill, Dartford . With the words " Richard Trevithick. Approximately 25ft from this wall lie the remains of Richard Trevithick. The great engineer and pioneer of high-pressure steam. He died at the Bull Inn, Dartford and was carried here by fellow workers of Halls Engineering Works. To a paupers grave. Born Illogan, Cornwall April 13th 1771. Died Dartford , Kent April 22nd 1833 ".