Alexander John Forsyth

Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 1768 - 1843

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About MeAlexander John Forsyth was born on 25th December 1768, the son of Rev. James Forsyth, Minister of Belhevie. In 1782 he went to King's College, Aberdeen and graduated as a Master of Arts in 1786. Following in his father's footsteps he studied for the church and was licensed for the ministry on 13th October 1790. On 1st December his father died suddenly and the Parish petitioned that the son should be presented to the living. This was approved and Forsyth was installed as Minister of Belhevie on 24th April 1791.

Dr Forsyth was interested in a wide range of scientific and mechanical subjects and had a workshop behind the manse. He was fond of shooting and was interested in improving his guns for shooting wildfowl. In the 1790s he began to experiment with explosives and gunpowder and in 1805 he created the first percussion ignition for firearms, revolutionising gun technology. Forsyth’s enquiring mind led him to discover that powder acted more powerfully when ignited by percussion impact than by fire. As a result, he went on to develop an ignition system for firearms that lit gunpowder with the stroke of a hammer rather than by a light, an invention that made guns more reliable, especially in damp weather.

In April 1806 he took his invention to London where he showed it to his sporting friends. Forsyth’s invention was greatly admired and was adopted by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, for hunting game. News of his invention came to the attention of Lord Moira, Master General of Ordnance, who thought it might have a military application. He prevailed upon Forsyth to conduct further experiments at the Tower of London.

Eventually Forsyth was able to conclude his work and return to Belhevie. With his relation, James Brougham, he made arrangements for the manufacture and sale of firearms incorporating his roller primer. An arrangement with the established gunsmith James Prosser was found to be unsatisfactory and the partners decided to set up in business. £4000 capital was needed and £2000 was put up by Mr William James of King's College. From then on the firm never looked back, producing high-quality firearms for the top end of the market.

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