20 February 2023
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Genesis Homes’ Development Director Scott Edwards on site at Wakefield Gardens, in Lazonby
The memory of a 19th-century stationmaster will live on through the creation of a new housing development in Cumbria
Genesis Homes has launched its latest development, Wakefield Gardens in Lazonby, Cumbria, named after Thomas Wakefield who served as stationmaster at the village’s railway station between 1890 and 1898.
Lazonby and Kirkoswald Station is on the historic Settle to Carlisle Railway and was reinstated in 1986, and the Genesis Homes team wanted to pay homage to the rich history of the station with its new housing development.
Stationmaster Thomas Wakefield
Development Director Scott Edwards said: “For many communities up and down the line, the Settle to Carlisle Railway means a great deal and it plays a huge role in connecting smaller villages in our area.
“It was interesting to find out more about the history of the railway line and see how vital it has been to the village of Lazonby over the years, and we were keen to recognise that when it was decided we would build in the village.
“The Wakefield family played an important part in the development of the railway for more than half a century, and we’re delighted to keep the memory of the family alive by naming the development in their honour.”
Thomas was just 14 years old when he started his railway career when he was taken on as a junior clerk at Clay Cross Station, in Derbyshire, following in the footsteps of his father Thomas snr, who had worked as a railway store keeper.
Having moved to work at stations in Staveley, Derby and Langwathby, Thomas jnr moved to nearby Lazonby in February 1890 where he served in the role of station master until transferring to Yorkshire and Chapeltown Railway Station nine years later.