Ask anyone living in Essex to list the achievements of Peter Bruff and it’s not a given that they will know who he was or what he did. And yet Bruff was a giant of the Victorian engineering world, responsible for establishing extensive railway networks across East Anglia. He was also the genius behind the creation of Clacton as a seaside resort, the engineer responsible for the construction of the Chappel Viaduct, the builder of Clacton and Walton piers as well as many other significant projects in the region.
Bruff was a contemporary of the great Isambard Kingdom Brunel and maybe Brunel stole Bruff’s thunder a little. And while, of course, acknowledging Brunel’s utter brilliance, we contest Bruff also deserves recognition. His work throughout the 19th century was pivotal in the development of the railway network in the East of England, many routes of which are still in use today, and he laid the foundations for generations of communities for centuries to come.
There are nods to these remarkable contributions such as Peter Bruff Avenue in Clacton, the Peter Bruff ward at Clacton Hospital and a commemorative plaque at Ipswich train station. But that really doesn’t feel like enough.
That’s why we are behind a new educational initiative which aims to shine a light on Bruff’s brilliant accomplishments across East Anglia… and hopefully inspire the engineers of the future!
Peter Bruff: The Forgotten Engineer is a project we’re delivering to schools across Essex, in association with East Anglian Railway Museum and Clacton & District Local History Society, with funding for the initiative from the Greater Anglia Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
Featuring a vibrant education pack full of information and resources about Bruff and his work, and activities for Key Stages 1 and 2 exploring STEAM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), as well as a live digital art workshop streamed to more than 500 pupils, the project intends to foster critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation, as well as community pride and historical awareness.
February’s digital art workshop featured a series of fun drawing activities, led by artist Jenny Leonard, with the pupils taking part in art and craft challenges and problem-solving tasks. Pupils were also encouraged to let their engineering imaginations run free by designing futuristic transport solutions and pleasure piers.
KAT Marketing Managing Director Katie Skingle said: “We were delighted to lead this valuable programme highlighting the enormous contribution made by Peter Bruff to north Essex and beyond.
“His achievements were simply amazing and we wanted to share them and inspire youngsters to be the engineers of tomorrow.
“The programme also introduced children to the value and opportunity which comes from train travel as well as making connections with local engineering heritage and fostering community pride and historical awareness.”
Peter Bruff, civil engineer, land developer, visionary... we salute you.