Smeatonian Society

British professional organization

Also known as: Society of Civil Engineers

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The Smeatonian Society, founded in 1771 by John Smeaton, was a British professional organization for civil engineers. Smeaton, an English engineer, is recognized as the founder of the civil engineering profession in Great Britain. He is renowned for his all-masonry lighthouse on Eddystone reef and for his significant contributions to canal and bridge construction, as well as improvements to steam engines and the diving bell. The society aimed to promote the construction of large public works.12

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civil engineering
History
…Engineers (now known as the Smeatonian Society). Its object was to bring together experienced engineers, entrepreneurs, and lawyers to promote the building of large public works, such as canals (and later railways), and to secure the parliamentary powers necessary to execute their schemes. Their meetings were held during parliamentary sessions;…
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…Engineers (now known as the Smeatonian Society). Its object was to bring together experienced engineers, entrepreneurs, and lawyers to promote the building of large public works, such as canals (and later railways), and to secure the parliamentary powers necessary to execute their schemes. Their meetings were held during parliamentary sessions;…
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John Smeaton
Smeaton founded the Society of Civil Engineers in 1771. In 1791 he wrote Narrative of the Building . . . of the Eddystone Lighthouse.
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Smeaton founded the Society of Civil Engineers in 1771. In 1791 he wrote Narrative of the Building . . . of the Eddystone Lighthouse.
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