A DESCENDANT of Great Western Railway designer Isambard Kingdom Brunel called in at Didcot to see steam trains that used to run on the route.
Isambard Thomas, Brunel’s great-great-great grandson, has been journeying around the GWR network to see the investment being made in it.
Mr Thomas has visited Bristol and Bath, before travelling by train to Chippenham, Swindon, Didcot, Reading, and London Paddington.
Following his visit yesterday Mr Thomas, 51, a book designer who lives in London, said: “It was fascinating to see the old rolling stock at Didcot Railway Centre. It’s a fantastic place that keeps the history of the railway going – a full-scale train set for young and old enthusiasts.
“It’s extremely rewarding to see that my ancestor, and the railway as a whole, has driven businesses to develop in the region.”
This month marks 180 years since Brunel submitted his planned route and design for the GWR, to connect Bristol and London.
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