His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has officially dedicated the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge in memory of the former Barnsley FC, Manchester United and England footballer tragically killed in the Munich air disaster in 1958.
The Duke joined legendary Manchester United players Brian Kidd and Alex Stepney, Barnsley FC’s record appearance holder Barry Murphy, and members of the Taylor family to unveil a new plaque to officially dedicate the bridge in Tommy’s memory
The Duke’s visit also included a tour of Barnsley town centre and The Glass Works, taking in the Market and the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre where he learned of Barnsley’s pioneering ‘Health on the High Street’ work to bring more health and wellbeing services into the town centre.
The Duke also took part in a special private audience with the world-renowned Barnsley Youth Choir before heading on to visit the Exodus Project in South Heinley, West Yorkshire.
The new bridge over the railway line is a permanent replacement of the former Jumble Lane level crossing, which was closed to improve safety in the area. We referred to it as Market Gate Bridge throughout planning and construction. Earlier this year we invited residents to submit suggestions for a fitting permanent name that reflects Barnsley's rich history.
In total more than 1,200 suggestions were made by members of the public. We put the 20 most popular choices before a panel, including representatives of Barnsley Council, the business community and a member of Barnsley’s Youth Council, who chose the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge.
Tommy is regarded as one of Barnsley FC’s all-time greatest strikers and the finest centre-forward ever to represent Manchester United and England. He was just 26 when he was killed among 23 fatalities of the disaster, eight of them Manchester United players. They included Wombwell-born defender Mark Jones, and although Mark played his entire career for Manchester United he too is still remembered as a sporting hero in Barnsley.
Alex Stepney – who won the First Division, European Cup and FA Cup with the club between 1966-1978 – said: “It is very touching to be here today representing Manchester United and paying tribute to the great Tommy Taylor. He was known in the game as one of the world’s best centre forwards and is remembered dearly by everyone associated with Manchester United along with everyone who lost their lives on that dark day in Munich.
“The song goes; you’ll never die, you’ll never die! and that is true – everyone at the club will always remember Tommy’s contribution to Manchester United, and to football, and the naming of this bridge 66 years after the disaster just shows the level of respect that exists for Tommy and that special group of players.”
Brian Kidd – European Cup winner in 1968 – added: “Winning the European Cup in 1968 felt like it was meant to be, and I remember to this day how determined that group of players were to win that final for Sir Matt and all those we had lost ten years prior in Munich, including Tommy. I grew up watching Tommy and as a forward myself I was in awe of his goal scoring ability as well as his technical skill. There is no doubt he is a Manchester United great. It is fitting that we have gathered here today to celebrate his immense contribution to Manchester United, to Barnsley FC and our great game.”
Tommy’s nephew Steven Kossowicz, 73, originally from Barnsley but now living in Barnard Castle, was just seven when his uncle was killed. He attended the unveiling and was introduced to His Royal Highness alongside his aunt Audrey Taylor, Tommy’s sister-in-law who was married to Tommy’s brother Bill Tayor.
Steven said: “The Munich disaster was more than 60 years ago, and it's of course something that's remained with us all in the family, it's one of those things you’ll always remember; you remember exactly what you were doing. I'll never forget that day.
“My uncle remains in all our hearts, his flame never died, and I think it's wonderful after all these years that Barnsley wants to remember him. It's a credit to Barnsley Council and the people of Barnsley for choosing to honour his name.”
Leader of Barnsley Council, Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “As a lifelong Barnsley fan I’ve known the tragic story of the loss of Tommy, and Mark and the many others killed in this tragedy. This beautiful landmark bridge links our town centre with Oakwell, where Tommy made his name, and so it’s the perfect place to honour his name.
“I’m delighted that Tommy Taylor’s legacy in Barnsley is now secured forever.”
The bridge opened in December 2023 and links The Glass Works Square with the transport interchange and Market Gate car park, providing easy access directly into our vibrant town centre as well as opening more active travel routes for residents and visitors to arrive on foot, bike, wheelchair or scooter. This helps us champion active travel and green transport solutions as part of our Healthy Barnsley and Sustainable Barnsley ambitions.
The bridge and associated costs totalled just over £11 million, the majority of which came from external funding. This included £8.9 million from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority via the Accelerated South Yorkshire Renewal Fund, their Recycled Local Growth Fund, and their Get Britain Building and Transforming Cities Funds. In addition, Network Rail contributed £2 million.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Tommy Taylor’s life might have been cut tragically short, but his memory and his legacy will continue in South Yorkshire. Our new Tommy Taylor bridge is a fitting tribute to someone we’re proud to call one of our own.
“I’ve said time and again I want South Yorkshire to be the healthiest region in the country. Investments in our walking and active travel Infrastructure are a huge part of that ambition, giving everyone more freedom and choice about how they travel and move.”
