About John Penn
Lived 1805 – 1878 (aged 72–73). John Penn was a British engineer and businessperson.
John Penn (1805–1878) was an English marine engineer whose firm was pre-eminent in the middle of the 19th century due to his innovations in engine and propeller systems, which led his firm to be the major supplier to the Royal Navy as it made the transition from sail to steam power. He was also president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on two occasions.
Early life John Penn was born in 1805 in Greenwich, the son of engineer and millwright John Penn (born in Taunton, Somerset, 1770; died 6 June 1843).
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Penn?
English marine engineer
When was John Penn born?
John Penn was born in 1805 in Greenwich.
When did John Penn die?
John Penn died in 1878 in Lee.
What was John Penn's occupation?
John Penn was an engineer and businessperson.
What nationality was John Penn?
John Penn was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Penn (engineer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Penn. https://biography.guide/john-penn/
MLA: "John Penn." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-penn/.
Chicago: "John Penn." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-penn/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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