George Stephenson (1781-1848)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
George Stephenson (1781-1848)
English engineer. Aged 14 he started work maintaining a steam engine at a coal mine. He obtained a basic education at night school, working at various pits until settling at Killingworth. In 1811 he fixed the mines pumping engine so well that he was appointed enginewright. Stephenson designed his first steam locomotive, the Blucher, in 1814. In 1821 he built the first railway between Stockton and Darlington with the engine Locomotion. The distance set between rails, 4ft 8.5in (1440mm) remains the worlds effective standard guage.With his son Robert and Henry Booth he designed the Rocket steam locomotive. This was built by the Stephensons for the 1829 Rainhill Trials where it was established as the most advanced locomotive of its day. He invented a miners safety lamp in 1818. He also designed the first skew arch bridge, allowing roads and canals to cross railways at acute angles
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6364461
© Sheila Terry
Engineer Engineering George Stephenson History Of Science Industrial Revolution Locomotive Mining Public Transport Railway Rocket Steam Train Blucher Miners Safety Lamp Pumping Engine
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable life and achievements of George Stephenson, an influential English engineer of the 19th century. At just 14 years old, Stephenson embarked on his engineering journey by maintaining a steam engine at a coal mine. Despite limited formal education, he diligently pursued knowledge through night school while working in various pits until settling at Killingworth. In 1811, Stephenson's exceptional skills earned him the prestigious position of enginewright after successfully fixing the mines' pumping engine. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career that would revolutionize public transport forever. In 1821, he constructed the groundbreaking Stockton and Darlington railway with his innovative locomotive named Locomotion. Stephenson's most iconic creation was undoubtedly the Rocket steam locomotive, which he designed alongside his son Robert and Henry Booth. The Rocket garnered immense recognition during its triumph at the Rainhill Trials in 1829 as it showcased unprecedented advancements for its time. Beyond locomotives, Stephenson's ingenuity extended to other areas such as inventing a miners safety lamp in 1818 and designing the first skew arch bridge that allowed roads and canals to cross railways seamlessly. George Stephenson's contributions left an indelible mark on engineering history during the Industrial Revolution. His dedication to technological progress transformed transportation systems worldwide while ensuring safety measures for workers in hazardous environments like mining operations. This awe-inspiring print from Science Photo Library serves as a testament to George Stephenson's brilliance and enduring legacy within science and engineering realms.
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