Rennie, John

Rennie, John (1761-1821), engineer, b. East Linton, East Lothian, Scotland.

John Rennie worked for seven years for the firm of Boulton and Watt. Then, in 1791, he went into business for himself in London and carried out engineering work of many kinds.

He built bridges in many parts of England and Scotland including two in London, Southwark and Waterloo (since rebuilt), and he designed London Bridge. This was built by his sons, John and George.

Rennie also built many important canals and docks including those in the Port of London, and he constructed the breakwater across Plymouth Sound.