FROM THE RM NOVEMBER 1953

“THE directors of the Great Northern Railway selected Doncaster in 1851 as the site of their locomotive, carriage, and wagon works because of its proximity to large coalfields and ironfounding centres, and of good water communications. “From the end of 1853 (by which time 950 men were employed, largely transferred from the old GNR repair works at Boston) to the present day (when the number employed is some 5000), the works have steadily expanded. “The centenary of the works (known locally as the ‘Plant’) was celebrated on September 19 and 20, when the public was admitted to an exhibition of locomotives, carriages and wagons in the works premises. “Mr C K Bird, chief regional officer of the Eastern Region, presided at the opening ceremony in the locomotive repair shop and instituted proceedings by ringing the Old Works bell, and prayers were offered by the

Rev G Hollis, the works padre.

“The exhibition was declared open by

Mr R A Riddles, retiring member of the

Railway Executive for Mechanical & Electrical Engineering. The works were again open to the public on September 24 and 25.”