Shildon marks 200 years of rail innovation

A North East town has marked the bicentenary of the birth of the modern railway with commemorative plaques.

Durham County Council unveiled the two plaques at a new public space in Shildon, celebrating George Stephenson, the ‘Father of the Railways,’ and the location where passengers boarded Locomotion No. 1 for the world’s first passenger journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825. 

The plaques – an Engineering Heritage Award and a World Origin Site marker – form part of the Stockton and Darlington Active Travel Route, a 12-mile walking and cycling path tracing the original railway line.

Situated at the former Masons Arms, the public space includes planting, seating, artworks and interpretation panels with QR codes linking to digital content.

A special ceremony marked the unveiling, attended by councillor Robbie Rodiss, chairman of Durham County Council, as well as members of the local authority’s cabinet and construction, transport and heritage teams and representatives from The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Shildon Town Council, Historic England and other partners.

Councillor Rodiss said: “When Locomotion No. 1 and its passengers departed from the Masons Arms 200 years ago, it embarked on a journey that revolutionised the world.

“We are incredibly proud of our role in the development of the modern railway here in County Durham. 

“The new public space at the Masons Arms, and the Active Travel Route, will allow residents and visitors to connect with this heritage for years to come. 

“Whether walking, wheeling or cycling, we can all follow the same journey made by Locomotion No.1, and its passengers 200 years ago. 

“We can learn more about the extensive archaeological remains and fascinating structures that can be found along the route and we can experience all the benefits of being active in the fresh air.

“The Mason’s Arms is an important point on the route, and we’re delighted to have created a place that recognises its historical significance and pays tribute to George Stephenson.

“We hope his story will inspire young people to pursue a career in engineering and continue the spirit of ingenuity our county and region are built upon.”

Matt Garside, president of The IMechE, added: “As I present the Stockton and Darlington Railway with this Engineering Heritage Award to recognise the extraordinary engineering achievement it represented, it has been a privilege to see a working replica of Locomotion No. 1 set out on the route that our first President, George Stephenson, pioneered 200 years ago. 

“This bicentenary celebrates the North East’s engineering heritage and hopefully it will inspire the next generation to carry that spirit of innovation forward.”

Martin Wilkie, director of World Origin Site, added: “Worldoriginsite.org has been created to help mark and celebrate where inventions, discoveries and world firsts occurred and the people behind them.

“The Masons Arm’s site represents one of the most significant moments in the development of the modern world. 

“Here 200 years ago the world’s first passenger railway journey took place and the rest is history. 

“It changed transport, commerce, politics, industry and warfare, and was probably the most influential development for the world until the invention of the aeroplane.

“A World Origin Site accreditation and our plaques aim to ensure that the global

importance of sites like these is not forgotten.”

Footpath upgrades and a cycle hub at the Locomotion Museum have also been completed, while a new bridge over the River Gaunless, on the original Stephenson-designed site, is due to open next spring.

To find out more about the Stockton & Darlington Railway active travel route, see here.

The project forms part of the nine-month S&DR200 festival celebrating 200 years of passenger rail.

For more information, see here. 

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