Thomas Whitwell (24 October 1837 – 5 August 1878) was a British engineer, inventor and metallurgist.Known as Tom, he was the third son of William and Sarah Whitwell of Kendal. Tom was initially educated at home via private tutors he was sent to the Quaker run York School at 10 years old. In 1858, at 16, he travelled with his elder brother William to Darlington. As apprentice to Alfred Kitching in his locomotive building shop he learned engineering and metallurgy. From there he continued to build his skills, working with Robert Stephenson & Co in Newcastle.