-
- The Stephenson Fact File - 2nd (E-publishing) Edition (Page 3 of 8)
Museums and Heritage Sites with Stephenson Connections
(NB As at 21 Apr 09 this page is work in progress as the text is being reviewed for currency after transfer from the paper copy 1st Edition and therefore text is predominantly as at the year 2000)
The National Railway Museum - Leeman Road, York. ( 01904 621261)
The premier site for an overall exhibition of British railway history. Houses many restored relics related to the development of the railways. It has audio-visual educational facilities, and a comprehensive reference library, which holds the works records of Robert Stephenson & Co.
Locomotion - Shildon (Details TBA)
The Science Museum
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London. ( 020 7938 8000)
The original Rocket locomotive and many relics and artifacts from the Industrial Revolution.
George Stephenson's birthplace
George Stephenson's Cottage, Wylam, Northumberland, NE41 8BP.
A half mile east of Wylam. The cottage is situated on the north side of the old Wylam Waggonway, and is now in the care of the National trust. . Enquiries should initially be directed to the village library in Falcon Terrace, which also houses a Stephenson Museum. ( 01661 852174
Dial Cottage, Killingworth (Additional details TBA)
A sundial fixed to the front is reputed to have been made by Robert and his father.
Robert Stephenson Locomotive Works South Street and Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne.
The site of the original works where their locomotives were built from 1823 until a new works at Darlington was opened in 1901. Among the directors of the original company were Michael Longridge of Bedlington Foundry; and Edward Pease, promoter of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. The Newcomen Society installed a plaque here in 1979 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the building of the Rocket. Part of the old works - 20 South Street - has been restored by the Robert Stephenson trust. For details of this site and the trust’s activities, contact the trust secretary - ( 0191 261 8657. ) or visit their website It is essential to check the latest position regarding South Street before making any visit as during January 2009 the RST vacated the building due to redevelopment.
Robert Stephenson’s Home
5 Greenfield Place, Summerhill Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Contact as above.
Tapton House, Chesterfield
George Stephenson's home, and the place where he died. The grounds are open to the public, but not normally the house as it is now a college. However, contact the 'Old Taptonians' for information and possible visits. 01246 270046 or 277307, or contact the college direct on 01246 500700.
Darlington Railway Museum Station Road, Darlington. ( 01325 460532
The 1842 station on the route of the 1825 Stockton & Darlington Railway. The museum has many exhibits, including the original Locomotion, and also houses the Ken Hoole collection and study centre.
The Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester Manchester Liverpool Road Station, Castlefield, Greater Manchester. ( 0161 832 2244. Group bookings 0161 833 0027
The terminus of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway and the world's oldest passenger station, it has adjacent to it the world's oldest railway warehouse. Also housed here is the replica Planet.
The Stephenson Locomotive Society Newcastle Centre Contact Alan Clothier, ( 0191 252 5051
Houses the McDowell trust Collection. This comprises mainly relics, photographs, and papers; many of them associated with the Forth Street Works. Five members of The Stephenson Locomotive Society are the trustees.
The Stephenson Railway Museum Middle Engine Lane, Chirton Industrial Estate, West Chirton, North Shields. ( 0191 262 2627)
Back to top of the page | back to Fact File intro
Chesterfield Library and Museum New Beetwell Street and Market Square, Chesterfield. ( 01246 209292
Has a modest collection of books and relics dedicated to the Stephensons.
The Clay Cross Company Museum - Biwater Pipes, Biwater Group, Clay Cross, Derbyshire. ( 01246 250740
- Houses the archives of the company. Visits by prior arrangement only.
Liverpool Museum of Science & Industry
Own the original Lion Patentee type locomotive; and the former library of Robert Stephenson & Company.
Canterbury Museum 18 High Street, Canterbury. ( 01227 452747
Home to the Canterbury & Whitstable locomotive Invicta.
Back to top of the page | back to Fact File intro
The Egyptian National Railway Museum, Cairo Main Station, Ramses Square
Houses excellent scale models of the Alexandria to Cairo railway bridges and Stephenson locomotives. Records Robert Stephenson's involvement 1852-56.
Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, Paris, France
1848 model of a long-boilered locomotive made from drawings by Robert Stephenson & Co.
Mulhouse, France
Original long-boiler locomotive built by Robert Stephenson & Company.
Sydney, Australia
Original Patentee locomotive built by Robert Stephenson & Company.
Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC, USA
Original components of locomotives built by Robert Stephenson & Company.
Utrecht, Holland
Replica Patentee locomotive.