James Abernathy

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James Abernethy was born on 12th June 1814 in Aberdeen to George Abernethy.

As a boy, James assisted his father on the extension of the London docks. He later worked as an engineer and ironfounder, his primary area of work being bridges and marine engineering.

His works include the South Dock and Half Tide Basin of Swansea Marina, , Aire & Calder Navigation, New Junction Canal and many bridges in Scotland.

He designed and built the Canale Cavour in Italy.

He was instructed by the Lords of the Admiralty to arbitrate in the complicated case over the developments at Watchet Harbour in October and November 1856.

He was president of the Institution of Civil Engineers between December 1880 and December 1881. He was also made a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

He died at Broadstairs, Kent on 8 March 1896, his first son James taking over the engineering practice and his second son John compiling his biography in 1897.