Eric Treacy

Early life and education

Born in London, Treacy was educated at Haberdashers' Aske's School and at King's College London, though he left without taking a degree.

Ordained ministry

In 1932 he was made a Deacon in the Church of England, and also took up railway photography, being inspired by a visit to Liverpool Lime Street. His photographic work appeared in various magazines during the 1930s.

His photography was interrupted by being an army padre in the Royal Army Chaplains' Department during the Second World War. On 12 March 1940, he was commissioned as Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class (equivalent to captain). By January 1946, he had been promoted to a Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class (equivalent to major).

He published his first book of images in 1946. On demobilisation he became Rector of Keighley and in 1949 was appointed Archdeacon of Halifax.

Episcopal ministry

In 1961, Treacy was consecrated a bishop and appointed the Bishop of Pontefract, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Wakefield. In 1968, he was made Bishop of Wakefield, the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Wakefield. He held the post until he retired from full-time ministry in 1976.

Death and commemoration

On 13 May 1978, Treacy died from a heart attack on Appleby Station on the Settle-Carlisle Railway waiting for a railtour hauled by BR 92220 Evening Star. A slate plaque is displayed on the main station building to his memory. He is buried at St Kentigern's Church, Crosthwaite, Keswick.

The Treacy Collection of 12,000 photographs forms part of the National Railway Museum's archive of over 1.4 million images.

Honours

On 10 May 1945, it was announced that Treacy had been Mentioned in Despatches "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe". On 24 January 1946, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe".

Selected works

The following are photograph albums of Treacy's work: