Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
Edmondson Spencer - His success as a scientist
After finishing his studies at Technical School, Edmondson Spencer was awarded a City and Guilds scholarship to South Kensington that was renewed for a further three years. This was the beginning of his career as a prominent metallurgist.
A chronology of Spencer's career
1909-1913 |
Student at Royal College of Science and the Royal School of Mines where he obtained a first class Associateship in Metallurgy |
1913-1914 |
Studied geology at the Royal College of Science as well as receiving a first-class Associateship in this subject he graduated B.Sc. with first class honours at the University of London. |
1914-1916 |
Metallurgist at Woolwich Arsenal |
1916-1919 |
Chief Metallurgist at Gnome and Le Rhone Aeroengine Works, London |
1919-1955 |
Consulting chemist and industrial researcher for Messrs. Bird & Co. Calcutta. Employed by the company to develop the mineral resources of India, his job was to examine ore-bearing earths. |
1924 |
Awarded a London University degree of Ph.D. at Liverpool University |

Photograph taken by Dr Spencer of the damage caused by an earthquake in Monghyr, India in 1935
During his time in India, he was granted world patents for the manufacture of the finest white art paper from bamboo.
During 1933-34 he was made president of the Institute of Chemists (India).
He had a house in London until 1947, when he bought Ashfield, Keighley Road.
Following his retirement, he took up his interest again in gardening.

Letter from Dr Spencer,written from Kashmir in January 1923