Title
Papers of F W Webb
Reference
WEBB
Production date
17-03-1900 - 22-03-1920
Creator
- Webb, Francis WilliamBiographyBiography
Webb, Francis William (1836–1906), civil engineer and local politician, was born at Tixall Rectory, Staffordshire, on 21 May 1836. In his mid 30s he was appointed the head of the locomotive department of the London & North Western Railway (LNWR). A position that he held for 30 years. A prolific inventor and technical innovator, Webb was not without controversy. Cost saving decisions made - with the best intensions - would blight some of his creations.
His innovations included the use of steel and the implementation of more modern tools and production processes. Many of these new design and build techniques were to be found at his local Crewe works, which Railway Magazine called the ‘most famous works in the world’ under Webb’s leadership.
He was also a key figure in Crewe politically, serving as mayor twice as well as being a major benefactor of the Webb Orphanage, an institution set up to look after the orphaned children of the deceased parents of employees of the LNWR. He died in Bournemouth in 1906.
Scope and Content
Papers relating to F W Webb being awarded Freeman of Crewe.
Extent
5 items
Language
English
Level of description
TOP
Repository name
National Railway Museum, York
Subject
Conditions governing access
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Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied of items in the archive, provided that the copying process used does not damage the item or is not detrimental to its preservation. Copies will be supplied in accordance with the NRM’s terms and conditions for the supply and reproduction of copies, and the provisions of any relevant copyright legislation
Appraisal
None