GNR Atlantic first of two for Doncaster museum
GNR LARGE Atlantic 251 has become the first of two locos built in Doncaster to return home, in a partnership between the National Railway Museum and Doncaster Council. On a three-year loan, 251 is expected to be joined shortly by predecessor GNR Atlantic 990 Henry Oakley, under the same arrangements.
The 1902-built C1 4-4-2 was last at Doncaster in 2003 when it starred at the Works’ 150th anniversary open day – the last event held at the facility. The new building, a £15m project started in 2018 by Doncaster Council and to be called the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum is hopefully set to open later this year according to the Council.
Its historic central frontage is the former Doncaster High School for Girls that has been encased in glass and carefully restored to become a focal point. The complex consolidates four buildings into one hub, including some new construction. The purpose-built museum building, that covers four floors, is hoped to become the heart of a Civic and Cultural Quarter within the town and the rail heritage centre is one part of that. The museum aims to improve the way the railway heritage of the borough is celebrated. It will also showcase memorabilia from the Doncaster Grammar School Railway Collection and other items celebrating the importance of rail for Doncaster.