The Stockton & Darlington Railway

Teignmouth Probus Club’s railway buff member, Dr. David MacVeigh presented his maiden specially illustrated story of the 200th Anniversary of the Railway on 27th September 2025.

Transportation on rails have been running since 16th Century for mining in particular, then by gravity inclines, horsepower and then steam during the Industrial revolution culminating in the 1st public steam railway operating by law (Parliamentary Act of 1821) on iron railway lines here, in the North of England in County Durham – The Stockton & Darlington Railway. The new resource of malleable iron having been ‘invented’ in 1820 made this possible. Again, this was freight oriented for coal, but at the opening ceremony, carried some 600 passengers standing in coal carts travelling at 15 mph. (No health & safety in those days). This was shortly followed by a stagecoach body mounted on wheels for added passenger comfort and the passenger Railway was introduced to the world – something worthy of celebration.

This also brought to the world the standard of the rail gauge (width of the rails the loco rode upon) being established at 4 foot 8 and one half inches. The 4’ 8” came for the breadth of the Roman Chariot of 2 horse widths with the later addition of ½ inch to permit the locomotive to travel through bends more easily. The development, expansion and advancement of this technology was shown in the speakers extensive knowledge and interesting slide show from the ‘Puffing Billy’, Loco No 1, the Rocket, Stephenson’s Loco 1840 through to the modern age, including pictures and movies of the 100th and 150th Anniversary celebrations.

The speaker, David posed a question ‘where the railway might be in 50 years’ time’?

Following a lively Q&A session, the vote of thanks was presented by Secretary John Polley who is a model railway enthusiast with his model layouts frequently seen at local exhibitions the next one being at the Passmore Centre, Newton Abbot on 8th November 2025.