The Great Thorpe Railway Disaster 1874: Heroes, Victims, Survivors

This online talk examines the facts behind the tragic events of the night of 10 September 1874, afterwards described by the Board of Trade Inquiry as 'the worst collision on a single track line ever seen in the history of the railways’ It also explores the identities of some of the heroes, victims and survivors, as researched in depth by the speaker; names that until now have only appeared in memorial lists of those involved.
Our speaker, Phyllida Scrivens, graduated from the School of Creative Writing at UEA in 2014 with an MA in Biography. Her resulting first book ‘Escaping Hitler’, the remarkable life story of the late Joe Stirling, was published by Pen and Sword Books in 2016. Phyllida has since written two further biographical works, ‘The Lady Lord Mayors of Norwich 1923-2017’, winner of the Best Biography Prize at the East Anglia Book Awards 2018, and in September last year, ‘The Great Thorpe Railway Disaster 1874’, an extensive exploration of a controversial incident which took place only a short distance from her home in Thorpe St Andrew. For over six years Phyllida has been a popular public speaker, sharing stories from her books and research journeys, with audiences in venues all over Norfolk as well as more latterly online.
Phyllida tells us that anyone who would like to buy a signed copy of her book can do so by contacting her at [e-mail] or by calling 01603 300212. The illustrated hardback books cost £18 plus £4 p&p. Credit card payments possible via telephone.

[@tamsinmeaney6730]

My great-great grandfather was George Robert Womack whose death was the focus for the manslaughter charge.

[@kathymcbride2425]

several areas of interest for me must get to sign up to the society