Charles Algernon Parsons was born in London on June 13, 1854, the son of a wealthy, aristocratic Anglo-Irish family that was scientifically very distinguished. His father, William Parsons (third Earl of Rosse), a member of parliament, was an engineer, astronomer, and telescope-maker who had built the largest telescope in the world. His mother, Mary Countess of Rosse, best remembered as a photographer, was adept at architectural design and cast-iron foundry work.

The greater part of Parsons' childhood was spent at the family's castle and estate at Parsonstown (now Birr), County Offaly, Ireland. The workshops there were extensive, and he grew up surrounded by tools and machinery. He was privately educated by, among others, Sir Robert Ball, a man who encouraged him to spend time not just in the classroom, but also in the workshops. With these facilities and the guidance of his parents and...