Henry Bessemer - Trivia, Family, Bio
Emma Horne
Updated on February 17, 2026
Remembered most for inventing the "Bessemer process" of steel manufacturing, this nineteenth-century entrepreneur is also famous for designing a sea-sickness-proof ocean vessel called the SS Bessemer, as well as for building unique machines that used steam to convert bronze powder to gold paint.
Before Fame
He spent his childhood in Charlton, Hertfordshire, England, and was awarded his first patent in 1838.
Trivia
He was the 1872 recipient of the Royal Society of Arts' prestigious Albert Medal.
Family Life
His father and fellow inventor, Anthony Bessemer, developed an efficient and lucrative technique for mass-producing gold chains.
Associated With
He was a contemporary of fellow English inventor Robin Sievier.
