Joseph Locke was one of the mighty railway engineers, a protege of Geroge Stephenson, and a contemporary of his son, Robert Stephenson.
Although not technically an engineer for the Great Northern, he did have a significant influence for a very brief spell during 1844 (from May to September) as Engineer to the London & York Railway committee who, at the time were fighting their corner for preeminence as the preferred route north out of London to York. His influence gave rise to the decision to adopt “Towns line” as opposed to the “Fens Line” and although only in post for a short period of 4 months that influence last to this day and is recorded in Chapter 9 of this text.
Well worth a read as a good background to the development of the railways and worth having on your shelves. The book is no longer in print but can occasionally be picked up online in the various second hand sites and well worth a purchase. It is also usually <£10 in price and worth every penny.
