The Miners Friend, a model steam engine, was built by Thomas Savery. Thomas Savery was an English inventor and engineer who is best known for his contributions to the development of steam power. He was born in 1650 in Shilstone, Devon, England, and died in 1715.

Thomas Savery's background and early life:
- Thomas Savery was the son of a prominent family in Devon, England.
- He received a good education and showed an early interest in engineering and mechanics.
- He worked as a military engineer and was involved in various projects, including the construction of fortifications and the draining of marshes.

The invention of the Miners Friend:
- In the late 17th century, mining was an essential industry in England, and one of the major challenges faced by miners was the flooding of mines.
- Thomas Savery invented the Miners Friend, also known as the "Savery engine," to address this problem.
- The Miners Friend was a steam-powered water pump designed to remove water from mines.
- It consisted of a boiler, a steam reservoir, and a vacuum pump.
- The boiler heated water, producing steam, which was then condensed to create a vacuum in the reservoir.
- The vacuum created suction, allowing water to be drawn up from the mine shaft and discharged to the surface.
- The Miners Friend was a significant improvement over existing methods of pumping water from mines, as it was more efficient and required less manual labor.

Significance and impact of the Miners Friend:
- The invention of the Miners Friend revolutionized the mining industry by enabling deeper mines to be worked and increasing productivity.
- It paved the way for further developments in steam power and laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution.
- The Miners Friend was the precursor to later steam engines, such as James Watt's improved steam engine, which played a crucial role in the industrialization of Great Britain.

In conclusion, the Miners Friend, a model steam engine, was built by Thomas Savery. His invention of the Miners Friend had a significant impact on the mining industry and laid the foundation for the development of steam power.