17/03/2019
HETTON COLLIERY RAILWAY 200 - OFFICIAL LAUNCH AT "HERITAGE TRAILS" CONFERENCE
Friday 18th November 2022 is the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Hetton Colliery Railway
The event was a significant milestone, of international importance, in the history of early railways. It was the first purposely designed railway in the world to utilize steam throughout using stationary engines and steam locomotives. It was designed by George Stephenson for the Hetton Coal Company and at the time was the longest steam railway in the world. The line started at Hetton Lyons Colliery, Hetton Le Hole and travelled over Warden Law to the staithes on the River Wear at Sunderland. The Hetton Coal Company itself was revolutionary, they being the first colliery to sink through the magnesium limestone strata which covers the east of Durham County. This gave impetus for the sinking of the large coal mining concerns on the east coast.
Unfortunately the railway has, in history, been eclipsed by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington and Liverpool and Manchester Railways of 1825 and 1829 respectively.
To this end we have formed a group Hetton Colliery Railway 200 to commemorate this important occasion. Initially we intend to have a series of events in 2022 including a steam fair, talks, historical walks, schools and public involvement etc.
Our Chair, Colin E Mountford, author of many books published by the Industrial Railway Society, will give a presentation on the project at the Tyne & Wear Heritage Forum Conference - "Heritage Trails" on the 23rd of March.
BUY TICKETS HERE :
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tyne-wear-heritage-forum-conference-heritage-trails-tickets-56169796373
