Manchester's 'forgotten heroes' will finally be remembered
10.03.2024 - 07:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
On the 125th anniversary of the first train from London to Manchester, a group of campaigners, friends and admirers came together to honour the man who made it happen along with his father, ‘Manchester’s forgotten men’ Absalom and Sir Edward Watkin.
The two men will forever be memorialised with their own blue plaque at Manchester Central, provided by the Watkin Society after six years of campaigning all over the country, including in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, towns founded by Edward Watkin.
Geoff Scargill, a retired head teacher and founder of the Watkin Society, discovered his admiration for Watkin when he came across a book his wife owned about Edward. From there, he spent years spreading the work the Watkin family had done and his ‘very long battle’ included writing his own book, Victoria’s Railway King.
Geoff, who was ‘quite emotional’ at the afternoon's event said: “Absolom and Edward did so much for the city of Manchester and their names disappeared…today they will be permanently memorialised at one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.”
Many were in attendance at the unveiling, including Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Yasmine Dar, the MP for Northenden and Watkin’s own great-great-great grandchildren. Members of the Watkin Society were also in attendance, excited to see their heroes get the recognition they deserve.
The plaque read: To commemorate the lives of two great Manchester reformers. Absalom Watkin (1787-1861) Campaigner for the repeal of the Corn Laws. Sir Edward Watkin MP (1819-1901) Creator of the first Manchester Parks for the People and the Great Central Railway. Provided by the Watkin Society.
Absalom was best known for fighting for the repeal of the Corn Laws, making sure that Manchester’s poor could