There had been other railways before the tracks were laid down between Stockton and Darlington in the 1820s.

Mostly these so called waggonways were used to take coal by horse drawn carriages from the pits to the rivers, but it was realised that they could haul people across country as well.

The plaque reads: Here in 1825 the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company booked the first passenger thus marking an epoch in the history of mankind.

When the Stockton and Darlington line became the first to take passengers and cargo by locomotive engine, all our lives were destined to change. The building which housed the ticket office still stands but is closed to the public.

Skerne Bridge - compare it with the painting at the top of the page.

Even landmarks such as the bridge over the River Skerne can hardly been seen close up these days. But if you've got a fiver on you you can always admire it - on bank paper at least.

Pride of place in the museum.

Also etched onto the note is Locomotion number 1. If you want to see its beautiful lines up close then just pop down to Darlington's Railway Centre and Museum. Details of entrance prices and opening times can be found on their website. There's a link on the top left of this page.

Under the shadow of the new bridge.

Meanwhile in Stockton you'll be struggling to see anything of the old line. Even the old coal staithes on the river are now nothing more than stumps peering just above the water.

56k Video report
Why not see this all for yourself with our report on the last remaining traces of the railway line.
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