Goole's Victoria Engineering & Shipbuilding Works: Thomas Scott

Goole History > Goole People & Families > Thomas Scott

 

From the Goole Weekly Times, Friday, 12th November 1886:

 

DEATH OF MR THOMAS SCOTT

 

We regret to have to announce the death of Mr Thomas Scott, of The Gables, Old Goole, which occurred on Friday last at Scarborough under sudden and somewhat painful circumstances.

On Thursday, the 28th ultimo, Mr Scott transacted business in Goole, attended for a short time the sale of furniture of the late Mr Clegg, of Stone House, and afterwards was present at the Conservative Working Men's supper at the Market Hall. He appeared to be in his usual health, and possessing his customary buoyancy of spirits. The next day he left for Scarborough to join his family there, retaining his usual health and brightness until the following morning, when, on returning from a walk, he was suddenly seized with apoplexy. About two hours afterwards he lost consciousness, which he never regained, and passed away at 3.30 on Friday afternoon.

The news was at once telegraphed to Goole, and was received with expressions of deep regret on every hand. Throughout the port, flags were flown half-mast.

The late Mr Scott, who was the proprietor of the Victoria Engineering and Shipbuilding Works at Goole, attained considerable success in his profession as shipbuilder and marine engineer, few men, perhaps, having had more experience in the construction of the marine engine.

Mr Scott was born at Edinburgh and, after serving his apprenticeship at Leith, entered the service of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, where he remained for some years, leaving their employ to take the managership of the works of Sir John and George Rennie, which he held for eleven years, during which time he made some of the earliest experiments in the use of the screw propeller.

He then took the appointment of manager to the Northfleet dockyard, where, during the American Civil Wars, he built some of the most successful blockade runners. Since this he has undertaken the management of the works of Sir Thomas Brassey at Birkenhead, from whence, some nine years back, he came to Goole.

Outside his business as shipbuilder he had a large practice as an arbitrating and consulting engineer, and his opinion was always received with confidence and respect at Lloyds and in professional circles in London and Liverpool. Locally he is known as the builder of the screw tugs of the Goole and Hull Steam Packet Company Limited, and of other iron boats of varying size, including the dredger for the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company.

Mr Scott was a staunch Churchman and Conservative, and his last appearance in public in Goole was in connection with political matters. He and his family have been, throughout their residence in Goole, willing supporters of our local and charitable institutions. In fact, his name is to be found in the lists of patrons and supporters of nearly all our local institutions. He was a member of the Aire and Calder Lodge of Freemasons.

The remains of the late Mr Scott were interred on Wednesday at Birkenhead. The body was brought home from Scarborough on Monday, and on Wednesday morning at 8.45 the funeral cortège left The Gables. There was a very large attendance of the principal residents in the town, and they, with members of the Aire and Calder Lodge of Freemasons, headed the procession, while behind the mourning coach followed the staff and workmen employed at the Victoria Engineering and Shipbuilding Works. Several of the shops were closed along the line of the procession and the blinds of the principal residents were drawn down. The coffin was covered with handsome wreaths, the gifts of sympathising relatives and friends.

The funeral arrangements were under the direction of Mr Huntington, of Aire Street.

N.B. The census of 3rd April 1881 shows Thomas Scott (59) and his wife Emma (49) living at The Gables with their three daughters, Alice (23), Constance (21) and Elsie (17).