Just as the great day of our anniversary is fast approaching, so it was in the summer of 1825, writes John Raw.
There was at long last the promise in July that the line would be ready to open in September.
Thus was all hustle and bustle, as earthworks, including cuttings and great battery’s the like South West Durham had never before known.
The stationary engine was installed.
However, the smaller horse powered station engine for Etherley summit only arrived on site from Robert Stephenson and Co, Newcastle, in mid September.
Fortunately Timothy Hackworth the newly appointed superintendent of the railway was on hand to have this up and running without too many alarms.
In the third week of September, Locomotion itself arrived lineside from Newcastle at Aycliffe Lane (today’s Heighington Station) on horse drawn carts to be assembled on site.
Just two days before the great day, the experiment coach arrived also ordered from Robert Stephenson and Co in Forth Street, Newcastle.
The great day that was to change so many things, one of them being the mobility of the nation, is almost here.
Now for a look at just some of the events that are starting from 20 August.
Remember to look at both Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and also the ever excellent Locomotion websites.
At present, the beach site is open with its deck chairs, ice cream vendor and buckets and spades.
Also, the Flying Scotsman in all its glory is in residence.
‘Fuelling the Railway Revolution’ is open every week from Wednesdays in the Mining Museum, Market Place, Bishop Auckland.
A couple of folk have said to me: “ Do not forget John, without coal, there would not be rail!”
Adult entry is £8.00.
From 22 August to 6 September, a display by Teesdale Railway History Group can be seen at The Witham in Barnard Castle. Entry is free from 10.00am each day excluding Sunday and Monday.
On Saturday 23 August from 11.15am, there will be a free guided walk on the Fighting Cocks section. Meet at the entrance to the Play Park, Station Road, Middleton St George.
On Wednesday 27 August there is a ‘Create a Locomotive’ free children’s activity at Hopetown in Darlington.
Also on that day is another free guided walk, meeting on Allen’s West Station and walking branch line into Yarm.
For any further enquiries, contact jraw2883[@]aol[.]com.
John Raw
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
