Frederick Walter Simms

Frederick Walter Simms was a British civil engineer.

Biography

Born on 24 December 1803, in London, Simms suffered from ill-health in his younger years "gave an enormous impetus to the development of a British asphalt industry". Simms' own efforts included writing a pamphlet promoting the use of Seyssel asphalt, based on an 1836 paper by geologist M. Rozet.
In 1836, Simms joined the South [Eastern Railway |South Eastern Railway Company] as a resident engineer and undertook a considerable number of works, including the construction of the Bletchingley and Saltwood tunnels.
In 1846, the Honourable [East India Company|East India Company], having decided to construct railways in their territories, proposed to Simms that he become their consulting engineer in India. His health suffered from the climate and he spend some time in Mauritius before returning to duty where, among other work, he supervised a complete survey and mapping of the city of Calcutta which was principally carried out by local assistants.
Having completed his engagement with the East India Company Simms returned to England in 1851, his health very much affected by India's climate and thereafter lived in retirement. He died on 27 February 1865, aged 61, in London.