National Tramway Museum Mourns the Loss of Heritage Railway Pioneer Geoffrey Claydon
CRICH, DERBYSHIRE – July 7, 2025 – The National Tramway Museum at Crich announces with deep sadness the passing of Geoffrey Claydon CB LLB M.Inst TA CMILT, who died on Monday, June 30, following a short illness. He was 94 years old.
Geoffrey was a pivotal figure in the Tramway Museum Society, from its early development in the late 1950s and1960s, and was instrumental in acquiring the site we now operate from. Geoffrey served many years as Vice President and became the Society’s President in 2005 and 2006. He was, for many decades, one of the most active and influential champions of the heritage railway sector. His contributions to the legal framework of heritage transport in the United Kingdom are immeasurable.
A distinguished legal professional who spent much of his career in the Civil Service, Geoffrey was the architect of groundbreaking legislative changes that transformed the heritage railway landscape. Most notably, he was instrumental in the passing of the Transport & Works Act and the various regulations that succeeded the historic Tramways Act of 1870.
"Geoffrey's work behind the scenes touched virtually every aspect of heritage railway operations," said a spokesperson for the National Tramway Museum. "His expertise and dedication helped secure the legal foundation upon which our entire sector operates today."
As a Heritage Railway Association Director and former chair of their Legal Committee, Geoffrey's influence extended far beyond the tramway world. Even in his final days, he continued his passionate advocacy for heritage rail, working alongside Lord Faulkner on legislative improvements to secure the status of young volunteers in heritage railway operations.
One of Geoffrey's last public appearances was at the East Midlands Mayor's opening of the new Tram Stop Cafe at Crich, where he was photographed with Mayor Claire at the celebration lunch held in the Poulson Room above the Red Lion pub.
"Geoffrey will be missed enormously by all who knew him, and his many contributions to heritage rail will not be forgotten," the museum stated. "His legacy lives on in every heritage railway that operates safely and legally across the country."
A funeral service for Geoffrey Claydon will take place on Tuesday, July 22, at 11:00 AM at Derby Cathedral.
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