The Story of the Tay Bridge Disaster
Rachael Bailey-Gibson
- Regions:
- Essex, London
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Historian
- Fee:
- Paid: £50
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 31st March 2026
- Tagged:
- History | Local History | Victorian
On the night of Sunday, December 28, 1879, in a high gale, the central span, known as 'the High Girders', collapsed. It took with it an engine, six coaches and seventy-five passengers into the waters of the Tay 160 feet below. This talk tells the story of this disaster and its repercussions, re-creating the drama of that terrible night.
Views: 8 | Enquiries: 0About Rachael Bailey-Gibson
I was born in Brentwood, Essex, and have a lifelong interest in history, which began at an early age when my father took me to parish churches all over the county as he was a brass-rubbing enthusiast.
In 2023, I was awarded the prestigious Future 100 Centenary Scholarship by the University of Leicester, working within their globally renowned Victorian Studies Centre. My talks centre on Victorianism, specifically social and medical history —from lunatic asylums and workhouses to how Victorians celebrated Easter and Christmas, as well as death culture.
My talks last one hour but can be easily tailored to fit your schedule. I always use PowerPoint with lots of images. My talks can include entertaining quiz-style activities for participants to complete, as well as real case studies and links to more information about the different topics. There will also be time for a question-and-answer session at the end.
I have spoken at Universities, conferences, care homes, local history groups, and museums.
I can bring an overhead projector and laptop if required.
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