The album which forms the basis for this small book was presented to John Robinson the grandfather of Tony Robinson.
There is a railway tradition within the Robinson family. Indeed John's father was none other than Ben Robinson. It was Ben driver of the L.N.W.R locomotive Hardwicke on the last night of the "Races to the North" in August 1895. ensuring that the west coast train was winner of the race from London to Aberdeen by putting in a spectacular performance over the most difficult section between Crewe and Carlisle,when despite the ardous climb over Shap they averaged over 67.2 miles per hour for the 141 miles.It is widely believed Ben was infact the driver of the Royal Train on this occasion. This may explain why John, his son, was presented with this album.
"From a Railway Carriage Window". John Robinson leaning out of window as the Train leaves Bangor, North Wales.
Following in his fathers footsteps, John was also a railwayman, but rather than drive the engine, John was the electrical engineer responsible for installing electric lighting in Holyhead Station and associated premises, indeed he became the assistant chief electrical engineer to the LNWR.