Memorial to Henry West railway worker
The London to Bristol Great Western railway arrived into Reading in 1840. The work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel is world famous, however, did you know about this piece of railway history?
During the five year construction period, over 100 men died in various accidents. The most unusual death happened on 24th March, just six days before the opening of Reading’s new station.
A freak whirlwind killed rail worker Henry West by ripping off a four-ton section of the station roof.
Henry West, who was working on the roof at the time, was propelled to his death.
His funeral was held at St Laurence church where his workmates erected a wooden marker on his grave to commemorate him.
The original rail was renewed by his brother George in 1862, by his niece in 1924, and again by Reading’s town council in 1971.
Where is the memorial to West
Graveyard of St Laurence’s Church The Forbury, Reading
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