The Earl of Lindsay

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David Lindesay-Bethune, 15th Earl of Lindsay, was a Non-executive Director of the Severn Valley Railway Company from 1969.[1]. He succeeded Sir Gerald Nabarro as Chairman of the Severn Valley Railway in 1973. Nabarro’s time at the SVR had resulted in divisions within the SVR organisation, and in the following years Viscount Garnock (as he was then titled) was instrumental in bringing the Railway together. He became President of SVR(H) in 1976.

The Earl had worked on the LNER as a young man, and in time became the owner of the SVR’s only LNER locomotive, 61994 The Great Marquess (LNER 3442). The locomotive was briefly steamed at the SVR in 1973, but would not steam again until 1989. It was always the Earl’s wish to see 3442 working on the West Highland Line, for which Gresley’s K4 class was designed. On 15 July 1989 the Earl, although ill, saw his wish fulfilled when he rode for the last time on the footplate of his engine as it departed from Fort William. Sadly he died 16 days later on 1 August 1989.

3442 carried a wreath for the return working over the Settle and Carlisle Line and also on the following days in service on the SVR. The Earl’s funeral was marked in accordance with railway tradition by the sounding of 3442’s whistle at Kidderminster.

See also

History of 1989
  1. SVR News 15