James Meadows Rendel (engineer)
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James Meadows Rendel FRS (December 1799- 21 November 1856) was a British civil engineer. Responsible for building a bridge across the estuary of the Plym at Plymouth. Designed steam driven chain ferries (aka floating bridges) in 1832 at Dartmouth, Southampton (Itchen, 1836), Saltash, and Torpoint (1834). The Torpoint Ferry still operates, albeit much updated.
Twice winner of the Telford medal. Started building the south breakwater at Portland Harbour though he died before it was finished. Also built the Dock Tower and other hydraulic works at Great Grimsby.
He worked for Thomas Telford before setting up on his own. He was president of the Institution of Civil Engineers for 1852–3.
[edit] Family
Rendel married Catherine Jane Harris in 1828; they had many children including:
- Sir Alexander Meadows Rendel (1829-1918) - civil engineer
- George Wightwick Rendel (1833-1902) - civil engineer
- Stuart Rendel, 1st Baron Rendel (1834-1913) of Hatchlands, Liberal MP
- Emily Frances Rendel (1836-1897) married Charles Bowen, 1st Baron Bowen in 1862.
- Emily Catherine Rendel (1840-1921) married Clement Francis Wedgwood in 1866
- Hamilton Rendel (1843-1902)
