Walter Marshall, Baron Marshall of Goring facts for kids

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Walter Charles Marshall, Baron Marshall of Goring (born March 5, 1932 – died February 20, 1996) was a very important scientist. He was a theoretical physicist, which means he studied the rules of how the universe works. He also led the UK's energy industry for many years.

Early Life and Education

Walter Marshall was born in Rumney, Cardiff. His parents were Frank Marshall and Amy Pearson. He went to a school called St Illtyd's Boys College.

He later studied mathematical physics at Birmingham University. There, he earned his PhD degree. His teacher was a famous scientist named Rudolf Peierls.

Career in Atomic Energy

In 1954, Walter Marshall started working at AERE Harwell. This was a place where scientists studied atomic energy. He joined the Theoretical Physics Division.

By 1960, he became the head of that division. In 1968, he became the Director of AERE. Later, in 1981, he was chosen to be the Chairman of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. This showed how important he was in the field.

Leading the Electricity Board

Walter Marshall strongly believed in nuclear power. This is a way to make electricity using atoms. In 1983, he was made chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB). This board was in charge of making electricity for the whole country.

He was not a big fan of "fusion power." This is another way to make energy. He once famously said that fusion was "an idea with infinite possibility and zero chance of success."

In 1989, the government decided to change how electricity was made. They planned to sell off parts of the CEGB to private companies. Because of this, the job of CEGB Chairman ended.

Walter Marshall then became Chairman of National Power. This new company included many power stations. It also had all the nuclear power stations. He was chosen for this role because of his strong connection to nuclear power.

However, the plan changed. The nuclear power stations were taken out of National Power. They were put into a different company owned by the government. Because of this big change, Walter Marshall decided to leave his job at National Power. After that, he worked in other private companies that dealt with nuclear energy. He passed away in 1996.

Recognized Scientist

As a scientist, Walter Marshall was known for his amazing ability to understand complex things. He was seen as a top expert in how atoms behave.

In 1971, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. In 1977, he also became a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.

In 1981, he led a special group. This group looked at the plans for a new nuclear power station called Sizewell B. They made sure the design was safe and good.

Personal Life and Honors

In 1955, Walter Marshall married Ann Sheppard in Cardiff. They had a son and a daughter together.

He received several important awards for his work. In 1973, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In 1982, he was made a Knight. This meant he could be called "Sir Walter."

During a big miners' strike in 1984–1985, Walter Marshall worked hard. He made sure the country still had electricity. Because of this, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher gave him a special honor. He was made a Baron. This meant he became Baron Marshall of Goring on July 22, 1985. This was a "life peerage," meaning he was a member of the House of Lords for his lifetime.