News
Thursday 14th october 2021

Pioneering Victorian engineer honoured with road named after him

Our South East team has unveiled the names of some of its new roads on phase 2 of its Church View development in Hoo, Kent, as being named in honour of the inventor of the traction engine and steam roller, Thomas Aveling.

People in Victorian dress next to road sign

Keeping hold of a Lasting legacy

Thomas Aveling, a pioneering Victorian engineer, moved to Hoo as a young boy and spent his younger years and early adulthood living and working on the local fields.

Members of the Thomas Aveling Society worked with Taylor Wimpey South East to submit a number of road name suggestions to Medway Council in 2019, as a way to commemorate and honour the connection Aveling has with the area.

The roads on phase 2 of Church View that have been named after Thomas Aveling include; Invicta Close, Harvest Rise, Plough Close, Engine Close, Blacksmith Lane, Edward Lake Drive and Thomas Aveling Road.

CGI Street scene

Michael Pearce, Chairman of the Thomas Aveling Society, said: “Thomas Aveling is recognised around the world as the ‘Father of the Traction Engine’ and we want to thank Taylor Wimpey for helping to keep his legacy alive by naming a road after him, as well as giving connected names to a number of neighbouring roads. For years to come, people will be able to see the street names and remember him for being a pioneering engineer who lived in the area.”

Jason Stokes, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey South East, said: “We are proud to be able to support the Thomas Aveling Society and play our part in recognising Aveling for his contribution to the local area. We want to continue to support the community around the development and we look forward to welcoming people to this new phase at Church View.”