The Council of the Newcomen Society has recently established the Newcomen Rolt Prize, in memory of LTC Rolt (1910-1974) who played an important role in the Society and generally in developing the history of technology and industrial archaelogy. This prize, for the best paper in Transactions during the previous three years, will be awarded biannually, alternating with the Dickinson Memorial Lecture.

The first winner of the Prize this year was Dr Norman Smith for his paper 'Cathedral Studies: Engineering or History?' published in 2001. The Prize was presented by the President, at the first London meeting of the new season on 13 October 2004.

The Society was delighted that LTC Rolt's widow, Sonia Rolt, was able to be present on this occasion.