Isambard's Superintendent of Locomotives - Daniel Gooch

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Where would Isambard have been without his associate - the train builder?

Within his first few months as Superintendent of Locomotives, young Daniel had re-evaluated Brunel's design specification for locomotives. Contracts had been placed with a number of engineering works. The design specification was such that the trains would be under-powered.

Daniel managed to amend the orders so that some, not all, engines delivered for the opening of the Paddington to Slough section of the GWR, were sufficiently powerful and reliable. Thereafter it was Daniel's influence on engine design that lead to the development of the Firefly and Lightning classes of locomotives. Daniel Gooch was with Brunel when Isambard organised the operation to rescue the Great Britain which had foundered on the rocks off Southern Ireland.

Gooch was knighted for his achievements as an Engineer. Brunel was disinterested in being raised to the nobility - a matter of deep regret to his wife Mary. Brunel however welcomed the recognition of his peers and was delighted when he became President of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

Sir Daniel and his son Charles, were the engineers who laid the first Atlantic Cable. Daniel became member of England Parliament and eventually Chairman of the Great Western Railway.

The Gooch family tradition is extensive. Dr. Robert Gooch was Professor of Medicine at St. Bartholomew's in the 1830s. Robert was a friend and contemporary of Sir Anthony Cooper, noted English surgeon. Professor. George Gooch (historian) was selected to record England's history in the World War.

A Robert Gooch settled in Canada in the early 19th century and was Warden in Cathedral of St. James at Ontario for 40 years. A table marks his memory.