About us
The History of Structural Engineering Group, also known as the History Study Group, has been active since 1973. Kim Rochard is currently the Group's Convenor. Kim is Principal Structural Engineer and Structural Engineering Team Leader with Historic England.
You do not need to be a member of the Institution or an engineer to join the Group which includes historians, architects, and other professionals: all members are encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.
Five reasons to study engineering history
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It is interesting and gives structural engineering a cultural context
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It underpins our understanding of existing structures
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It is of increasing importance as we re-use and upgrade existing structures to maximise the value of their embodied energy
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It provides an opportunity to explore engineering beyond the limitations of codes of practice
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It gives practising engineers and students a perspective on their studies, principles, and practices
Activities
Our regular meetings consist of a 45-minute talk held online or in-person (depending on the speaker's preference), followed by an open discussion. The Group has also arranged conferences, symposia and study trips within the UK and in Europe. We also organise The James Sutherland History Lecture (formerly Star History Lecture) series.
Our March and June 2025 talks will be held at The Alan Baxter Gallery, 77 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EL. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.
31 March 2025 - Ian Harper, Clive England and Cristian Petrescu on The Crystal Palace Subway.
02 June 2025 - Chris Bradfield on Experiences on the first Bosporus and Humber bridges.
17 June 2025 - James Sutherland History Lecture 2025. Stefan Holzer on Construction site essentials: the role of temporary works in the 13th-19th centuries. Register here
James Sutherland history lecture 2025 - The Institution of Structural Engineers
Get involved
Contact the Group by emailing [email protected] if you would like to know more or get involved.