Francis Webb

Francis William Webb (21 May 1836–4 June 1906) was a British engineer responsible for the design and manufacture of locomotives for the London and North Western Railway (LNWR). Webb was born in Tixall Rectory, near Stafford, Staffordshire, the second son of William Webb, Rector of Tixall. Showing early interest in mechanical engineering, on 11 August 1851 at the age of fifteen he was articled as a pupil of Francis Trevithick at Crewe Works. Webb ... more

Francis William Webb (21 May 1836–4 June 1906) was a British engineer responsible for the design and manufacture of locomotives for the London and North Western Railway (LNWR). Webb was born in Tixall Rectory, near Stafford, Staffordshire, the second son of William Webb, Rector of Tixall. Showing early interest in mechanical engineering, on 11 August 1851 at the age of fifteen he was articled as a pupil of Francis Trevithick at Crewe Works. Webb joined the drawing office in 1856, at the end of his training. He became Chief Draughtsman on 1 March 1859.On 1 September 1861 he was appointed Works Manager at Crewe and Chief Assistant to John Ramsbottom. Whilst Works Manager Webb was responsible for the installation of Bessemer convertors and the start of steel production at Crewe. In July 1866 Webb resigned from the LNWR and moved to the Bolton Iron and Steel Co. as the manager. It has been suggested that this move was arranged by the LNWR management to enable him to gain experience of... less