Geoff Scargill will be speaking about one of the most dynamic characters of the Victorian Age, Edward Watkin. Geoff is the chair of The Watkin Society and the author of a newly-published book on Edward Watkin, ‘Victoria’s Railway King’.
As Chairman of Manchester Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway (MS&LR), his influence helped bring about turning Grimsby into the world’s largest fishing port then focused on Cleethorpes and the promenade infrastructure most of which we see today.
In addition, Watkin is recorded as:
- Starting a channel tunnel in 1880
- Helping the British Government to create Canada
- Building a mainline railway into London – the Great Central
- Constructing an ‘Eiffel Tower’ – later becoming Wembley Stadium
- Bringing down the price of bread through the Anti-Corn Law League battle
- Expansion of London Underground
- Campaigning for Parks for the People
As per all our Talks, it is open to all at £3 (cash only) for non-members and free for GCDCS members. Tea and coffee is available at a mid-way point for a donation.
Secure car parking is availble at the rear of the Town Hall.
We look forward to seeing you!