Setting a speed world record

On 3 July 1938, Joe Duddington made history, setting the world speed record for a steam locomotive at 126 mph, driving LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard. Though Matthew, Joe's great-grandson, never met him, he’s spent a vast amount of time researching his great-grandfather and couldn’t be more proud of his achievements.

Joe, a loyal LNER employee from Doncaster, was chosen by Sir Nigel Gresley to break the German-held record. As the speedometer hit 126 mph, history was made.

In the eighty-five years which followed, Doncaster has commemorated this historic occasion with street names and roundabouts, yet few know the man behind the record. Matthew is determined to share Joe's story, a powerful legacy woven into his family history.