Unidentified artist
1891, July
Joseph Armstrong (1816-1877)

Illustration
Swindon Libraries
Swindon Central Library, Local Studies (posted to Flickr)
 
GWR Staff Magazine, July 1891, vol. III (No.33).
 
Joseph Armstrong (b.21st September 1816). Succeeded Daniel Gooch as Locomotive Superintendent of the GWR in 1864, and was also appointed Carriage and Wagon Superintendent. He oversaw the manufacture of nearly 600 locomotives in Swindon, as well as 2000 carriages and 10,000 wagons.
 
He also worked tirelessly for the welfare and safety of the workers under his control, and his unexpected death in 1877 resulted in an outpouring of grief in Swindon the like of which has never been seen. 2000 Swindon workmen followed his funeral procession, and around 6000 people surrounded the church.
 
LL/67972