In 2025 it will be the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the railway that both defined what a railway could be and proved it was a viable concept in terms of engineering and economics.
Within a few short years of its opening in 1825, the S&DR had inspired the building of railways across the UK, France, Prussia and the USA.
Niall Hammond is the former County Archaeologist for Durham and currently the chair of the Friends of the S&DR, a charity created specifically to champion the care and conservation of the railway and its legacy.
Significant plans are being made to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the S&DR in 2025.
The next public meeting of Bishop Auckland Civic Society will take place on Monday, 23 May at 7.30pm at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. At the meeting he will discuss railways in Georgian England, how the S&DR came to be built, its trials and tribulations and ultimately success.
It will be free to members and £2 for visitors on the door.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
