George Stephenson was an English engineer and the inventor of the railway line, which eventually became the global standard size for all rail tracks and was even called the 'Stephenson gauge'. He also created the miners' safety lamp.
EARLY LIFE
George Stephenson was born on June 9, 1781, in Wylam, England to Robert and Mabel Stephenson. He was the couple's second child.
GEORGE STEPHENSON EDUCATION
His
family was poor and George could not afford to go to school. So, he worked and
helped his family earn money. During the nights, he taught himself how to read
and write. He then took an interest in mathematics.
GEORGE STEPHENSON WORK
He worked on a farm and by the time he was ten, he had
learned horse riding. At the age of
seventeen, he took a job in a coal mine as an engineer. In his next job, he
worked as a brakeman. To earn extra money, he took up additional work like
repairing shoes and clocks. In 1811, he got a raise at High Pit, Killingworth
Colliery, when he fixed a broken pumping engine. He became an expert in
steam-driving engineering. He studied machines and engines to develop a better
understanding of steam machines. He was always busy conducting different
experiments.
GEORGE STEPHENSON INVENTIONS
Stephenson's most significant invention took place at the
age of 33. He made his first 'locomotive' in 1814. He used the steam engine which
led to its success. The machine was called a 'Blucher' and was created to carry
coal. It was the first steam engine train that ran on the railroad. It was
designed to pull tons of coal up hills and had eight wagons. Stephenson's rail
became the most successful steam engine ever built. The first few Blucher rides
broke down, but each failure made him improve the design. Each time, he came up
with a more powerful engine, and it doubled the amount of coal that could be
carried.
He spent most of his life in the coal mines. He thought of
an invention that could minimize the risk of explosion. The Royal Society also
announced a large reward for the invention of a successful lamp. Stephenson
created the safety lamp in 1815. The cylinder lamp had tiny air holes that
reduced exposure.
His locomotive steam engine became famous amongst the locals
and he soon made more locomotives for Killingworth. In 1820, he built the first
railways, which were completely steam-powered. He got a patent for his cast-iron rails. He was selected as an engineer to create the Stockton and
Darlington railways. In 1825, the first public railways were opened. The first locomotive
was named 'Locomotion'. It was the first
engine to have a passenger car. The same year, his gauge, used in the
construction of tracks, became the world's standard gauge. It was called the
'Stephenson gauge'.
Stephenson's Stockton and Darlington railway projects were also successful. Before
this, trains were only used to carry coal. The Stephenson railways opened
up business for other trades. It became easier to transport cloth or fabrics
produced in Manchester to Liverpool. The project was very profitable.
GEORGE STEPHENSON ACHIEVEMENTS
In 1829, Stephenson entered a competition to design a train. Stephenson designed his train called 'Rocket', which won the prize.
Soon, his train and railway techniques were adopted by United States too. In 1830, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was opened to the public.
People came from
different places to see this new technology. The Prime Minister, the Duke of
Wellington was amongst them.
Stephenson is one of the few inventors who are greatly remembered for their immense contributions to society that brought about revolutionary changes.
The impact of the railroad spread quickly throughout Britain, Europe, and North America. Stephenson was offered many projects and continued to build railways for the rest of his life.
While he made railways and tracks, he also had to construct tunnels and holes.
In the process, he discovered new coal fields which made him even wealthier. He made journeys shorter and contributed to the new industrial age.
GEORGE STEPHENSON MARRIAGE
Stephenson was married three times and had two children. He was named as 'the Father of the Railways'.
GEORGE STEPHENSON DEATH
He died on 12th August, 1848, in Derbyshire
at the age of 67.
FAQ
Que: Who is the Father of Railways?
Ans: George Stephenson
