Historedia
Person

Robert Stephenson

Events
4
Episodes
9
Years
1825–1850

Every event in Historedia whose sources name Robert Stephenson, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Stockton and Darlington Railway opens

    1825

    Role: Co-founder of Robert Stephenson and Company

    1. September 1825 · DarlingtonTransport of Locomotion No. 1

      Locomotion No. 1 was transported by road from Newcastle to Darlington in September 1825, arriving just before the railway's official opening.

    2. 26 September 1825 · DarlingtonTrial Run

      A trial run occurred on 26 September 1825 between Shildon and Darlington, with railway directors aboard the coach Experiment.

    3. 27 September 1825 · Stockton-on-TeesInaugural Train

      On 27 September 1825, Locomotion No. 1 hauled the first train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, driven by George Stephenson.

  2. Stephenson's Rocket wins the Rainhill Trials

    1829

    Role: Designer and builder of Rocket

    1. 6-14 October 1829 · RainhillRainhill Trials

      The competition ran from 6 to 14 October 1829 to test locomotive efficiency for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

    2. 6-14 October 1829 · RainhillRocket Victory

      Rocket won the trials held from 6 to 14 October 1829, proving locomotives were more efficient than stationary engines for the railway.

  3. Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway

    1830

    Role: Designer of the locomotive Rocket

    1. 15 September 1830 · Liverpool and Manchester Railway, between Liverpool and ManchesterOpening Ceremony

      The railway opened on 15 September 1830 with termini at Manchester, Liverpool Road, and Liverpool Crown Street, drawing government luminaries including the Prime Minister.

    2. 15 September 1830 · Liverpool and Manchester Railway, between Liverpool and ManchesterHuskisson Incident

      William Huskisson was run over and fatally injured by Robert Stephenson's locomotive Rocket at the opening of the railway.

  4. Britannia Bridge opens over the Menai Strait

    1850

    Role: Chief Engineer

    1. 5 March 1850 · Britannia Bridge siteOfficial Completion

      Robert Stephenson fitted the last rivet on 5 March 1850, marking the bridge's official completion.

    2. 18 March 1850 · Britannia Bridge siteFirst Rail Traffic

      A single tube opened to rail traffic on 18 March 1850, shortly after the official completion.

Sources

  1. Locomotion No. 1 Wikipedia, revision of 2026-06-21
  2. Stockton and Darlington Railway Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-28
  3. Stephenson's Rocket Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-03
  4. Robert Stephenson Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-01
  5. Liverpool and Manchester Railway Wikipedia, revision of 2026-05-27
  6. William Huskisson Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-15
  7. Britannia Bridge Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-29