When and where was Joseph Locke born?
Joseph Locke was born in Attercliffe, Sheffield on the 9th of August 1805. He moved to Barnsley when he was five years old.
Questions about Joseph Locke
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role did Joseph Locke play in the Liverpool and Manchester Railway project?
Joseph Locke served as assistant engineer alongside Charles Vignoles after George Stephenson appointed him following a critical report on existing surveys. He became sole assistant engineer for the western half of the line after Vignoles resigned from the project.
How did Joseph Locke manage costs on the Grand Junction Railway compared to George Stephenson?
Joseph Locke estimated costs so meticulously that he signed all contracts before Stephenson signed one single contract. For Penkridge Viaduct he agreed a price of only six thousand pounds while Stephenson had secured a tender of twenty-six thousand pounds.
Why is the Shap Fell section of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway significant to Joseph Locke's engineering legacy?
The line completed by Joseph Locke used steep gradients passing over Shap Fell itself rather than taking a circuitous route around Morecambe Bay. This approach known as up and down school of engineering or rollercoaster method allowed faster completion with less capital costs.
What happened during the Barentin viaduct collapse in 1842 involving Joseph Locke?
A boy hauling ballast saw fifth arch collapse early morning around six o'clock causing rest of structure to follow suit shortly after. No one killed though several workmen injured mill below structure and Thomas Brassey rebuilt the viaduct at his own cost.