It’s often fascinating to look around the memorials to the great and good in churches and cathedrals but, despite the many years I’ve lived and worked here, I didn’t notice this particular one in Chichester Cathedral until earlier this year. The man in question, William Huskisson, was Member of Parliament for Chichester between 1812 and 1823 when he moved on to represent Liverpool. However, it is the manner of his death for which he is most famous. In 1830, as MP for Liverpool, he attended the grand opening of the Liverpool and Manchester railway. When his train stopped at Parkside Station he disembarked and walked along the track to the carriage in which the Duke of Wellington was riding. Unfortunately he was hit by a second train, being pulled along by Stephenson’s Rocket no less, as he did so and when he died several hours later he became the first person in Great Britain to be killed in a railway accident. Not a happy tale but one which seems rather appropriate for today’s theme.

Thanks to Ricky for setting today’s theme. Last Tuesday’s theme was ‘pleasure. The other interpretations of this week’s theme can be found here.

The “Tuesday Inspiration” began in 2009 when Stéfan and I started setting each other a photographic challenge on a… Tuesday. Very soon afterwards, we decided to open this up to other PB members, followed by the idea that we should not reveal what the subject is, so that other members could compare how different members view a single theme. The Tuesday Inspiration is not a contest or a challenge, but a group of people all agreeing to post their interpretation of a single theme on Tuesdays. Each week, one of the contributors sets the theme. There are now over 40 members contributing to the TI. We have only two “rules”: don’t include the subject in the TI title or tags and please comply with standard PB guidelines on courtesy, etc. If you would like to take part, please send me a message via this blog.

great idea for the theme this week!!! What a story! poor guy :( love the b&w and the angle beth0110 · 2012-08-14: 12:01

Great angle, Nice details helys · 2012-08-14: 12:26

Wow, what a thing to be noted for. I guess we all have out stories. love the angle of this capture. karmankwarner · 2012-08-14: 12:43

Great idea for the TI, well captured. Wasichseh · 2012-08-14: 12:47

wonderful (thought the story is 'tragic'.. is that the theme? :) miltonjacob · 2012-08-14: 13:29

What a sad tale to accompany the great shot.... durban · 2012-08-14: 14:18

Nicely captured! Your B&W is always so bright :) josy63 · 2012-08-14: 15:07

Fantastic angle, Helen! Perfect in B/W. Story....ouch!! lookagain · 2012-08-14: 15:20

I think like most people I would like to be remembered for what I did while alive, not what put an end to it. The ultimate irony is that this irony is appreciated only by those of us who haven't been hit by a train. SM2012 · 2012-08-14: 15:51

Poor bastard. Lsample · 2012-08-14: 17:34

love the play in texture and the lighting used slowpete · 2012-08-15: 03:12

Super B&W conversion and fascinating history snippet to go with it. yellodog · 2012-08-15: 13:33

Oh what a horrific true story , great photo and angle. MoMac · 2012-08-15: 14:08

Magnificient! davidcardona · 2012-08-15: 22:08

Well use of angle !!! love it :-) abhijit · 2012-08-18: 10:20

A great angle! Ryana · 2012-08-25: 09:09

PERFECTION that's what I've to say :) onlyricky · 2012-08-30: 08:07

Tagged: statue memorial ti120814 huskisson chichester cathedral