Town honour for renowned rail engineer

Gresley spent much of his working life in Doncaster, and the town’s leaders said Sir Nigel Gresley Square would be the focal point of the town’s £300m civic and cultural quarter scheme.

The project includes new civic offices for Doncaster Council’s officers and members, as well as a new performance venue which is still under construction.

The square will be officially opened during a Diamond Jubilee celebration event on Sunday, June 3.

Doncaster’s mayor Peter Davies, said: “Sir Nigel Gresley was the most celebrated engineer of his era and a true railway legend.

“He had a close affinity to Doncaster so it is fitting we name our new public square after such an important figure in our history. Doncaster continues to benefit from his legacy today.”

Chris Nettleton, of the Gresley Society, said: “Gresley worked in Doncaster with a wonderful team of engineers and a highly skilled workforce drawn from the town.

“I am delighted that he is to be honouredas a permanent reminder of his links to Doncaster.”

Gresley, who was born in Edinburgh, worked for Great Northern Railways and London North Eastern Railways. He died in 1941.