Money left in GWR chief engineer's will to support young people

George Jackson Churchward is a prominent figure in Swindon's history as he worked as chief engineer at Great Western Railway before being appointed Swindon's first mayor in 1900.

He's been remembered by subsequent mayors as "one of the most progressive railway engineers there has ever been," and "built the first thing in the planet that went above 100 mph."

The mayor was killed on December 19, 1933 after being hit by a steam engine, descended from those that he himself had designed.

Swindon's first Mayor, George Jackson Churchward, died after being hit by a train (Image: Newsquest archive)

However, prior to his death, staff across the GWR network famously raised significant funds for a retirement present for the chief engineer.

Churchward's only wanted a fishing rod and when railway staff asked what to do with the rest of the money collected, he suggested they use it to sponsor a prize in his name for “the best engineering apprentice” at the GWR’s Swindon Works.

The Churchward Prize was awarded during the life of the Swindon Works but stopped after the Works closed.

Now, 92 years on from Churchward's death, money left dormant in his will is finally being put to use to bring back his dream of supporting young people in engineering.

Money that the mayor left to the Churchward Prize trust, which no longer exists, was passed on to the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum (FOSRM).

Swindon's STEAM museum (Image: Newsquest)

Trustees have now agreed with the STEAM museum’s management team to use the money to support secondary school pupils in Swindon get into engineering careers.

"It’s taken a long time to get to this place, but we are delighted we can finally put the remaining monies from the Churchward bequest to positive use," said Colin Hamling, Chair of FOSRM.

"This splendid work has been done by volunteer trustees at the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum.

"We’re looking for new trustees so anyone interested should approach me directly at one of our regular events at STEAM or fofsrm@gmail.com."

The project will be run by Helen Cook, Learning & Engagement Manager at STEAM.

Churchward's legacy lives on in Swindon, and he is remembered to this day for his advancements in carriage design as well as introducing the GWR's first steel-roofed coaches.

He is buried at Christ Church in Old Town.