Thomas Newcomen (shortly before February 24, 1664 – August 5, 1729) creates the first practical steam engine for pumping water, the Newcomen steam engine.

He is an ironmonger by trade and a Baptist lay preacher by calling.

He was born in Dartmouth, Devon, England, near a part of the country noted for its tin mines.

Flooding is a major problem, limiting the depth at which the mineral can be mined.