Sir Hiram Stephens Maxim

Hiram Stevens Maxim was an American-born inventor best known for creating the first fully automatic machine gun, the ‘Maxim Gun‘, which revolutionised modern warfare. Born in Sangerville, Maine, Maxim displayed mechanical aptitude from an early age and held numerous patents throughout his life, ranging from electrical devices to aviation technologies.

In addition to his work in weaponry, Maxim made significant contributions to early aviation. After moving to England and becoming a British citizen in 1899, he turned his attention to the challenges of human flight. In 1894, he built a massive flying machine powered by steam engines, which he tested on a specially constructed track in Kent. Though the machine briefly lifted off the ground, it was too heavy to achieve sustained flight.

To fund his work in aviation, Maxim designed a number of ‘Captive Flying Machines’, with the Pleasure Beach ride now the only surviving example. The first was built in May 1904 for the Italian Exhibition at Earl’s Court, with the Blackpool ride debuting in August the same year. Other examples were built at Southport, Crystal Palace and New Brighton and a number in the USA too.