Thanks to Bettakultcha and Media Squared, here’s a video of my Murray, Boulton and Watt presentation at the amazing Temple Works, Holbeck.
It’s a tale of green sand and subterfuge, of how one of the biggest names of the industrial revolution tried to stop a competitor in his tracks…
… also the slides are on Slideshare …
… the original blogpost: How to get ahead in business the Boulton and Watt way…
… and some context: 1794: A Small Story.
You can see more five-minute videos from my fellow-presenters on the Bettakultcha blog, and book your place for Bettakultcha 2 on Tuesday 27 April.
Matt Edgar writes here 
As a great, great, great…..(l dont know how many) grand daughter of Matthew Boulton, its just as well l didnt attend this event lest l was lynched.
Do you know the exact plot Watt + Boulton purchased in Holbeck?
Hi Debi, we won’t hold it against you :) I’m still researching this story so will let you know if I find reference to the plot. Watt instructed a solicitor named Upton to purchase a 1.5 acre site off Water Lane, presumably where the HBOS office now stands. Not sure if they successfully acquired it all or for how long they held it.
Hi Matt,
l wonder if Soho House has any records or have you tried there?
Yes, worth checking. I believe the Boulton and Watt papers are in the Birmingham City Library. I just need to find the time to visit :)