Charles Algernon Parsons (1854 - 1931) was born in London, the youngest child of William Parsons, the 3rd Earl of Ross. Like his remarkable father, who built the Leviathan Telescope at the family seat in Birr Castle, Charles decided to pursue a career in science. He studied mathematics at Trinity College and Cambridge.
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As a member of the Anglo Irish aristocratic class, Parsons took the unusual step of becoming an apprentice at the Elswick Engine and Ordnance Works at Newcastle upon Tyne. There, he began his development of turbine steam engines, which would lead to the creation of his own company: C. A. Parsons and Company. His turbine engines initially found a home in the British Navy, where their superior power generation capabilities boosted ship speed. With increased research and greater scale, Parsons' turbines became the basis of modern-day power plant electricity generation.
An 1899 Parsons Turbogenerator
Parsons was knighted in 1911 and received many honors both domestically and internationally. He died on a cruise to Jamaica on February 11, 1931. His estate was valued at more than £1 Million.
