Baker’s Bridge – where’s that?  This was the response when a member of FoGS read the name in a book about the history of the railway line from Manchester to Crewe.  Our volunteers have never heard local people refer to the road bridge near Goostrey Station as Baker’s Bridge.

A quick internet search revealed that a man called William Baker had a signifiant role in the development of Victorian railways.  In 1859, following the death of Robert Stephenson, he became chief engineer for the London and North Western Railway Company.  As well as leading operations in London, he worked on stations around the country including in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Crewe. He also designed railway bridges such as that at Runcorn, and he was involved in the construction of a new harbour at Holyhead.

So why was the bridge at Goostrey called Baker’s Bridge?  It turns out that, between 1834 and 1839, William Baker was articled to George Buck and worked with him on the Manchester and Birmingham Railway.  FoGS discovered that the keystone on the north side of the original bridge at Goostrey was carved William Baker, 1841, resident engineer, M and B R. Unfortunately this keystone was broken when the bridge was replaced during the electrification of the line in the 1960s. But luckily, the one on the south side with George Buck’s name was saved. At first this keystone was mounted on platform two, but now it is displayed, together with other memorabilia and recent awards, on platform one.

So the mystery was solved!  In October, this information will be included in the exhibition about local transport that is being prepared by Goostrey Parish Archive for Goosfest. If you have photos or stories relating to the history of Goostrey railway station that you could share with FoGS, please get in touch with Chris Burgess on 07976 894737.

FoGS volunteers continue to meet each month at Goostrey station. There’s a car park, but you could choose greener transport by walking or cycling (there’s a new rack for your bike).  You may have noticed a smart new noticeboard at the entrance to platform one.  It’s there to help us to publicise FoGS and Goostrey Art Studio more effectively.  You could also have a look at our website or email Craig Sidebotham on 29craimar@talktalk.net