printVictoria's home coming, September 16th 2002
12 noon on Monday the 16th September 2002 saw the beginning of the new era for Sewards of Petersfield. "Victoria, Empress of India" returned to The Square in Petersfield, 116 years after Marshall, Son & Co. started to build her.
The Square is only a few hundred yards from where the Sewards workshop used to stand in Chapel Street. It is also a place Victoria would have steamed past many times during her working life, because of this it was a very emotional day for members of the Seward family, seeing her, polished and gleaming in the afternoon sunshine, stood in the middle of the town she knows so well.
One of the best surprises of the day was when Lloyd and Wendy Wakelin, the new owners, met Maisy Seward-Hobbs, the grand daughter of Walter Seward, then aged 94, who brought with her a picture of herself with Walter Seward, circa 1915.
Many people turned out to see Victoria and ask questions about her history and connections with the town. There were also those who knew of people who had worked for the Sewards.
The local newspapers took interviews with the proud owners and with those who had company connections. All this information will hopefully be documented and preserved as part of the history of Petersfield and the Sewards.
Walter Seward with grand daughter Maisie, circa 1915. Walter would be about 65 years old.
Victoria parked on the square and the admirers start to gather.
Victoria on the market square in Petersfield on September 16th 2002.
View across Victoria's foot plate toware the post office and HSBC bank. The W.Seward plate viewable on the side of the tender.
