When I began researching the Henderson family grave I suspected this might be a story that would run and run.
First there was the account of how James Henderson averted a train collision with Royalty on board the “Lord of the Isles” loco. Next came Noel’s story about the Musical Stones of Skiddaw. Today we have an account of James Henderson’s career upon his retirement complete with a photograph of the man himself!
Swindon. – On November 7 Mr James Henderson, who for the last twenty years has been an inspector attached to the Locomotive Running Department, retired from the service, and was made the recipient of a handsome testimonial, subscribed to by the officers and staff, and a large number of enginemen and firemen, throughout the system. Mr. Henderson joined the GW Railway as a fireman at Paddington in 1865, and acted in that capacity on the engine “Lord of the Isles,” which frequently worked royal trains between Windsor and Paddington. He quickly reached the position of driver, and from 1874 until his removal to Swindon as inspector was a familiar figure on express broad-gauge engines. Mr W.H. Waister, in making the presentation, which consisted of a solid silver cigar case and a purse of gold, stated that during the time Mr. Henderson had been inspector he had won the respect and esteem of all the staff. It is interesting to note that during the Olympic Regatta at Henley in August last Mr. Henderson was presented with a silver cup and an illuminated address by the Traffic Department staff in appreciation of his work there, he having taken charge of the locomotive arrangements during the Henley Regatta for a number of years.
Great Western Railway Magazine
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