Centenary of the Death of Thomas Telford

Abstract

ON September 2, Sir Henry Maybury, president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, placed a wreath on the tomb of Telford in Westminster Abbey, while Mr. W. H. Budgett, divisional inspector in Scotland for the Ministry of Transport, placed a laurel wreath at the memorial seat at Westerkirk, Dumfriesshire. Born at Westerkirk in 1757, Telford was educated at the parish school, and when fourteen years old was apprenticed as a mason. Down to 1783 he was a workman employed in his native district of Eskdale. Leaving home, he studied architectural and structural design at Edinburgh, proceeding afterwards to London, when he embarked upon the career which ultimately brought him fame and honour. The Institution of Civil Engineers began to take shape in 1818, and on February 3, 1820, the group who were fostering a scheme of association resolved to ask Telford to become their first president. Telford accepted, and gave an inaugural address, providing his colleagues with much counsel for the future. At the same time, he presented a large collection of books and drawings with the object of founding a library. There is a fine portrait of Telford in the Institutions house at Great George Street, by Lane, showing him seatedin the background is a view of Menai Bridge. Most of the exhibits of the Telford Centenary Exhibition in London have been re-arranged at Aberdeen for the benefit of members of the British Association.