His Royal Highness toured Locomotion museum in Shildon and Hopetown in Darlington as part of celebrations marking two centuries since the world’s first passenger railway transformed global trade and travel.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh shaking hands with Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, at Locomotion museum as part of S&DR200 celebrations.

Source: © Dave Charnley Photography

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh shaking hands with Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, at the Locomotion museum as part of S&DR200 celebrations.

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Locomotion museum in Shildon, County Durham, known as the birthplace of the railways. 

He met Chris Cubitt, the driver and the team of engineers behind the newly restored replica of Locomotion no. 1 as well as Guy Martin who was also part of the crew on the day.

As part of the celebrations at Locomotion museum, Inspiration – Railway 200’s unique exhibition train, curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, is on display as part of its tour of Britain for the anniversary year.

The Duke then travelled to Hopetown in Darlington, and had a tour of the current exhibitions STEAM to the Future and Titans of Steam which celebrate the rail industry and iconic steam locomotives such as Sir Nigel Gresley.

The Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) opened on 27th September 1825 and gave birth to the modern railway, changing how the world traded, travelled, and communicated.

Source: © Dave Charnley Photography

Visitors to the Locomotion museum can see parts of the original Locomotion No.1 which marked a significant milestone in railway history.

Source: © Dave Charnley Photography

A replica Locomotion No.1 recreated the very first journey made by a steam-powered train with passengers 200 years ago.

Source: © Dave Charnley Photography

The passenger carriage 'Experiment' travelled along sections of the original S&DR line, cheered on by spectators along the route.

Source: © Dave Charnley Photography

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About the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR)

The 26-mile journey on the Stockton & Darlington Railway between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington on 27th September 1825 transformed how the world traded, travelled, and communicated. 

There is a long history of royal visits to Stockton and Darlington Railway anniversaries, The Duke and Duchess of York attended the centenary celebrations in 1925. In 1975, Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, opened the National Railway Museum in York and North Road Station Museum to celebrate the 150th celebrations. 

A steam train at Stockton & Darlington Railway

Source: © Dave Charnley Photography

A number of events have been taking place at the railway and various museums to mark 200 years since the first passenger service on the new Stockton & Darlington Railway.

S&DR200 partnership board chair and director of community services, environment and culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Reuben Kench said the visit by the Duke of Edinburgh “reaffirms the profound significance and impact of The Stockton and Darlington Railway in shaping the world we know today.”

Other anniversary celebrations

There are various events, exhibitions and art displays taking place for the rest of the year to mark the anniversary. Alongside the Locomotion museum, groups can look out for special attractions at Preston Park Museum, Hopetown and The Story. 

For more information visit www.sdr200.co.uk

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