It could have been Rookes Evelyn Bell Crompton he was the founder of Crompton Parkinson Ltd. He came to Essex from Yorkshire in 1871 as a partner in a steam valve manufacturing company, he understandably preferred Chelmsford to Thirsk and stayed.
One of his early contributions to industry was the manufacture of generators, it was as a result of this that he contributed to the supply of electric light and power, to Buckingham Palace, Kings Cross Station, The Law Courts and Mansion House.
Because his firm was based in Chelmsford, the town as it was then, was the 1st in England to have electric street lights. In 1890 the 1st London Underground train was powered by a Crompton engine. By the way Cromptons are still going I bought a Crompton light bulb yesterday in Moulsham Street, where else!
Thanks a lot Chelmsford and Mr Crompton for helping us to see the light!
