Trow Memorial Obelisk, London Road, Stoke

Image: © Brian Deegan Taken: 14 May 2022

ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF TIMOTHY TROW, TRAM CONDUCTOR, AGED 21 YEARS. WHO LOST HIS LIFE BY DROWNING NEAR THIS SPOT, IN A HEROIC ATTEMPT TO SAVE THAT OF A CHILD. APRIL 13TH 1894 Timothy Trow, in April 1894 a tram conductor who despite being unable to swim, saved the life of a drowning child, losing his own life. At that time the Newcastle-under-Lyme canal ran along London Road. The canal is long gone. "Imagine the scene in 1894. In those days London Road was a cobbled highway, resounding to the screech of steam-trams as they slowed to a halt near this spot. Between pavement and water's edge were iron railings and a row of tall trees. As a tram drew close at 4 o'clock, one April afternoon, its young conductor heard screams coming from the canal. He looked up and, seeing a little girl, terrified and flailing desperately to stay afloat, wasted no time in vaulting the railings and plunging into the chill water to her rescue. By fate's intervention, he was tragically seized by a violent cramp and sank like a stone to the bottom. The child was later pulled out alive."

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