Kelvin centenary marked at Westminster Abbey

The University of Glasgow has marked the centenary of the death of its most illustrious scientist at a wreath-laying ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

William Thomson, Lord Kelvin

University Principal, Sir Muir Russell and representatives from the University of Glasgow, including the current Kelvin Professor of Physics, Professor David Saxon, will attend the short ceremony at the tomb of world-renowned scientist Lord Kelvin.

Principal Sir Muir Russell said: “We want to acknowledge anew the contribution Lord Kelvin made to the field of human knowledge and to its practical application. The scale and scope of Lord Kelvin’s achievements and their lasting legacy bear full testament to an outstanding scientist, ingenious inventor and successful business man.”

William Thomson (1824-1907) - 1st Baron Kelvin - was one of the most famous scientists of his age. Thomson was as famous for his inventions as for his academic work. He published more than 600 scientific papers during his lifetime and earned international acclaim for proposing an absolute scale of temperature now known as the Kelvin Scale and for his pioneering research in the fields of mechanical energy and heat. He was equally well-known for his work on planning the Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable and his invention of the Kelvin Compass and sounding machine.

Knighted in 1866, Thomson became the first scientist to be elevated to the peerage when he was created Baron Kelvin of Largs in 1892.

Sir Muir Russell said: “We would also like to pay tribute to Lord Kelvin’s long and distinguished service to the University of Glasgow, and for the ways in which he enhanced and continues to enhance our fame and reputation. He was a student, an inspirational teacher, indefatigable researcher, and Professor of Natural Philosophy for 53 years, becoming our Chancellor in 1904. His commitment to Glasgow was immense and we owe him a great debt of gratitude.”