George Stephenson - Quick facts

 

 

 

He was an English civil engineer and mechanical engineer who built the first public railway line in the world to use steam locomotives, and he is renowned as being the "Father of Railways".

His rail gauge of 4 feet 8½ inches (1,435 mm), sometimes called "Stephenson gauge", is the world's standard gauge.

Robert was the fireman for Wylam Colliery pumping engine, earning a low wage

He constructed a traveling engine, or locomotive, to haul coal from mines and in 1815 built the first locomotive to use the steam blast.

He also devised (c.1815) a miner's safety lamp at about the same time as did Sir Humphry Davy.

His locomotive the Rocket bested the others in a contest in 1829 and was used on the Liverpool-Manchester Railway.

George Stephenson - Quotes

I am glad to learn that the Parliament Bill has been passed for the Darlington Railway.

I am much obliged by the favourable sentiments you express towards me, and shall be happy if I can be of service in carrying into execution your plans.

The principles upon which a safety lamp might be constructed I stated to several persons long before Sir Humphrey Davy came into this part of the country.

The rage for railroads is so great that many will be laid in parts where they will not pay.