Brabins

George Stephenson

Childhood and family

He was born on the 9^th July 1781 and lived in Wylam  near Newcastle . His home was near coal mines which was good because his dad worked at them. Mr Stephenson worked at a steam engine which pumped water out of the mines. George lived in a small cottage. He was interested in machines that’s how he learned about steam engines. He did not go to school: from 8 years old he went to work. His job was looking after cows on a farm. Also he rode horses to there job at work. At the age of 14 he helped his dad at the coal mines. His hobby was bird watching. He was taught by his father about birds. Also he was into wrestling it was his favourite sport. He wanted to learn to count, read and write so he could get a better job. He started going to school three nights a week after work. He had two sisters and one brother. His dad was called Robert and his mum was called Mabel Carr. To get more money he mended clocks and shoes he was saving up to get married.  

Manchester to Liverpool Railway Line

In 1829, another railway planned, between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Not everyone was pleased. Some farmers did not want the railway to cross their fields. George Stephenson built the railway. He built tracks across a bog called Chat Moss. The owners of the railway wanted to find the best locomotive. They offered a prize of £500. Trials were held at Rainhill, near Liverpool. Crowds came to watch.

Inventions

THE ROCKET:

The Rocket was an ingenious invention by engineer George Stephenson. It was the first successful locomotive in history. This monstrous stream train travelled 36 miles per hour. It was built by George Stephenson but also his son Robert Stephenson. They went to the Rainhill Trials and won because all the other contestants got knocked out.  The Rocket was the fastest in its time.

Mining lamp:

Its was also known as the geordie lamp, and was used to use to help miners see in the mines because they couldn’t use normal lamps. This fabulous invention was invented in 1815. The lamp was simple and had a flame at the bottom to detect gases. This invention was amazingly built and when the flame came out, the miners knew to get out of the mine.

LOCOMOTIVE NO.1:

Also known as the Blucher Locomotive no.1 was built in 1814. It was built for the wagon way at Killingworth colliery. Locomotive no.1 and was  a cracking creation his first WOW!!

George Stephenson's Son

Robert was born 14 July 1931. He was famous for building bridges. Robert Stephenson helped his dad. He built bridges in North Wales. Robert Stephenson built the first railway in London. The rail way ended in 1838. Robert died in London 1859. He was buried in Westminster abbey.