This year marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the world’s first locomotive works, Stephenson’s works in Newcastle.
To celebrate the event, the Robert Stephenson Trust is holding an exhibition with a series of lectures, and has published a book. Robert Stephenson & Co was founded on June 23, 1823 by the ‘father of railways’ George Stephenson with his son Robert, and two local industrialists – Edward Pease and Michael Longridge. With Robert as managing partner, the company established their ‘locomotive factory’ at South Street on the North bank of the River Tyne. It would soon become the pride of Newcastle.
The exhibition will be held in the Map Room at The Common Room, Neville Hall, Newcastle. It will feature displays and videos about Robert Stephenson’s life, the formation of Robert Stephenson & Co, illustrations of the Newcastle factory, the firm’s products, and the Trust’s endeavours to raise awareness of this important chapter in the history of Newcastle and the North East.
