I make no excuses for another trip along the original railway journey. All my life I have heard about this, and even on occasion been along part of the route that is still operational. The creation of the railways in 1825 was the most powerful movement of the 19th century in my eyes. A century of innovation indeed, but without a railway to carry it all from one place to another quickly it would not have succeeded and certainly would have been hindered for many years.
The sight of a replica 'Locomotion' trundling along is gives a wee bit of understanding as to how it must have appeared to the people at the time. Engineering in the north-east of England had been going on for many years, so many would understand that one day something big would arrive. However, with the majority still employed on the land, and that would continue for many years, the sight of this great moving black machine must have been something of a wonder. Just remember your thoughts when you sighted an engineering feat, or a view or the latest technological wizardry that left you wondering, the people around must have felt similarly.
Many of those who watched quickly understood that here was an opportunity to save energy by climbing aboard the coal wagons and getting a free hurl to their destination. So successful was this that soon such 'passengers' had to pay for the privilege! Within five years, 'The Rocket' was hurtling paid passengers between Manchester and Liverpool at 30 miles per hour, as long as you bought a ticket!
What I liked about this report was the 'ownership' of the railway. The news reporters and the people involved are proud that this came from the north-east, not some fop down south. This was 'their' railway, and it belonged to them! Typical 'Geordies!' George Stephenson, and his son Robert, were typical 'Geordies,' George in particular. He was happy to be called 'the father of the railway,' though others had produced engines of various types before this. George's railway actually worked successfully, which made a big difference. These two men did lay out many railways in the UK and abroad, both in Europe and South America. That is one reason why so many South Americans have Scots, Welsh, Irish or English names. The navvies who went with them to build the railways often remained behind, or at least had a wife while there, for the use off!
George used the term 'Railroad,' at first, but when his suggested route for one was considered too expensive his amended plan used the term 'Railway,' and it has remained such ever since. Note in the USA they call it 'railroad,' possibly elsewhere also.
Within five years of the 'Locomotion' taking coals to Stockton passenger services had arrived. By 1851 it was possible to travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Kings Cross, London within 12 hours. With occasional stops on the way. Before this a stage coach could take two weeks, depending on the weather. Such a transformation of society, such a transformation for iundustry, supplies to factory soon became goods on offer worldwide. A nation transformed, not so much by the industrial revolution but by the railways that made that industry operate.
We owe a great deal to this 1825 event.
This caught my eye. This is the type of grub I have been forced by poverty to turn to more and more. Though my last effort, which may remain with me always, was based on chicken, not mince, this because mince was so much more expensive than chicken today!
The recipe here differs somewhat from my own in that it produces acceptable flavour, my recipe varies between aged cardboard and aged dishwater. At one point I took to calling mine 'Flanders Stew' as it tasted similar to the mud found there during the Great War. And one young lass who ate at my abode shut down my kitchen, it turned out she worked for the environment people.
My recipe is simple, meat, beans, more beans, sauces (anything), salt and whatever is lying around. Then I have to force myself to finish 5 or 6 of the things stored in the freezer. And the freezer, filled with such items, is the way forward in this wealthy man's parliament.
I recommend this site.
The Labour Conference is on!
No, I have not bothered either...
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