Ponteland Historian: March 2024 edition

 

Rocket Man with Cousin Jacks, Robert Stephenson in Colombia 1824-1827

The Robert Stephenson Trust has just published this book. You can find out more at robertstephensontrust.blogspot.com

This book reveals for the first time in nearly 200 years the details of Robert Stephenson’s great Colombian adventure. It sets out the reasons behind his decision to abandon his father George, his friends and the management of the embryonic locomotive factory in Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne which bore his name and of which he was the Managing Director, for a speculative venture in South America in which he would be responsible for finding and extracting silver from mines first started during the Spanish occupation. The year was 1824 and he had yet to reach 21 years of age.

Robert did not return to England until 1827, but that event triggered a burst of creative energy and flair for a series of ground-breaking locomotive designs, starting with the ‘Rocket’ in 1829 for the competitive trials for the choice of engine for the Liverpool & Manchester Railway which his father had engineered and constructed in his absence. 

The narrative uses many extracts from Robert’s original letters to his boss Richard Illingworth, who was based in Bogotá, courtesy of the University of Indiana, whose Lilly Library holds the originals. They describe vividly the difficulties he encountered, the anxiety he felt about what was happening in England in his absence, the problems of managing some of the workmen all of whom were from Cornwall, the lack of materials, the regular bouts of illness, and the frustration with the Mining Company in London who questioned his judgements. 

On the journey home he was shipwrecked and very nearly drowned. 

The character of one of England’s greatest mechanical and civil engineers cannot be fully understood without appreciating the impact his three years in Colombia had on him. In his lifetime he played down the trials and tribulations, but this new insight is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand how great men use adversity to advance their creative brilliance.

The book is illustrated with the water colour paintings of Charles Empson, who accompanied Robert as an interpreter and companion. His own anecdotes have been included as a counter-point to Robert’s more formal correspondence. 

Most of the mineworkers were from Cornwall, and there are many references to them, not always flattering. The book describes their circumstances in the 1820’s and explains what attracted them to sign up for 3 years and embark on a voyage to a far-away country. Anyone who might have had Cornish ancestors in Colombia should read this.

Robert Stephenson Trust Newsletter Spring 2016

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Newcastle Gateshead Historic Quayside

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Newcastle Gateshead Historic Quayside

The Hearth, Horsley Talks Programme

 
HISTORY AND HERITAGE TALKS
Talks are held on the last Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm in the Hearth Hall.  Entry is £5 on the door, and includes refreshments.

Thursday 30th July

RAILWAYS BEFORE STEPHENSON - Les Turnbull

Les Turnbull has had a life-long passion for history and is the author of several books on his particular areas of interest - mining and the railways.  Les is a regular speaker on local history, and in this talk he will explore the beginnings of railways and their contribution to the industrial development of the North.

Thursday 24th September

HOW TALL SHIPS WORK - Richard Tomlin

Thursday 29th October

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL - Steve Cox

Thursday 26th November

THE BUILDING OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL -  Canon Michael Jackson

The Hearth
Main Road
Horsley
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 0NT

Railway films

The Rocket - newsletter of Robert Stephenson Trust

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Rocket Autumn 2013 from Robert Stephenson Trust

Rocket Autumn 2013

Puffing Billy Festival Talks Programme

Puffing Billy Festival

Meetings programme - all start at 7pm.

Wednesday 4th September 2013 "Railways before Stepenson" by Les Turnbull at Newburn Leisure Centre

Wednesday 11th September 2013 " The Northumberland Railway - Brunel in Stephenson's back Yard" by J Michael Taylor MBE at Lemington Centre

Wednesday 18th September 2013 "The Wylam Locomotives" by John Lyffen at Wylam Institute

Wednesday 25th September 2013 "Hedley, Chapman and Isaac Jackson - Who really did What?" by Jim Rees at Walbottle Campus.

Wednesday 9th October 2013 "Stephenson's Triumph - Liverpool 1830 who was there and what they did next" by Bob Gwynne at Heddon on the Wall WI.

The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham

This book is much, much, more than the story of the Pit Sinkers of the North East indeed it covers a vast range of associated topics from across the UK and beyond.

The first chapter is the history of shaft sinking, linking the development of engineering from primitive beginnings, and then the book goes on to explore methods, equipment and contracts. There is an extensive chapter on colliery disasters and the human story is vividly told in two chapters who’s titles includes the words, amongst others: slavery, serfdom and mining engineers. I was particularly moved by the author’s description of how his father, shortly after starting work at the age of twelve in 1912, was carried to work on the back of his elder brother. Once underground in the hot pit, his limbs warmed up and he was able to work, but on his journey home above ground he was again carried.

The book has many similar human stories but also records the involvement of the major engineers, colliery owners, writers, land owners and is packed with facts.

The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham is not only a tribute to the men who worked under extreme conditions, but also tells the evocative story of mining society as a whole and gives a unique glimpse into the lives of those most affected by the industry. With further chapters on transportation and accommodation, celebrations & holidays and miner’s habits, the book must be regarded as a major guide to the region’s and nation’s historically important industry.

Peter Ford Mason is descended from three generations of North East miners: his great-grandfather was a master pit sinker who died sinking a shaft in 1885. His work is meticulously researched and nothing seems to be left out.

There are 60 black and white photographs, many previously unpublished. The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham by Peter Ford Mason is published by the History Press and is priced £12.99.

Puffing Billy Festival

Notice of meeting…

Photograph reproduced with kind permission of Beamish Museum. Photograph was taken at the Haugh Pit in the early 1860’s and shows Puffing Billy with the driver J. Carr (right) and fireman W. Greener (left). In the background are three buildings still standing today - the former school of 1854 (far left), Laburnum House (centre) and the Wesleyan Chapel of 1834 on the extreme right. Invitation to community groups In 2013 communities along the Wylam to Lemington waggonway will be celebrating 200 years since steam locomotives were used to transport coal from Wylam colliery to Lemington staiths on the River Tyne. These early engines were the cutting edge technology of the period. being the first commercial steam locomotives working on the adhesion principle. They helped pave the way for the future development of modern railways across the world. ‘Puffing Billy’ was one of these steam locomotives, built circa 1813 – 14, working for nearly 50 years along the waggonway. The engine survives today, almost certainly the oldest locomotive in the world and a fully operational working replica was built in Beamish and launched in 2005. A group of interested parties has begun to meet to discuss possible events to develop a programme for a Puffing Billy Festival which will include visits to and from Beamish Museum, involve the Puffing Billy replica, community events and an attempt to replicate the steam power that travelled down the lines with pupil power that will travel along the track way from Wylam to Newburn (along its original route). This group including, so far, representatives from Wylam Parish Council, Beamish Museum, members of local groups, members of the public, Northumberland County Councillors and officers and Newcastle City Councillors and officers would like to invite you to find out more and how you can get involved at an informal meeting on; Wednesday 16th January at 7pm Walbottle Campus, Hexham Road, Walbottle. Newcastle upon Tyne. NE15 9TP We all feel that this is a great opportunity to use this very significant anniversary to build on the many successful community events of 2012, foster cross community links and develop cross county links and are keen and excited to involve as many people and groups as possible. Please pass this on to other interested parties, come along, have a cup of tea, find out the ideas we have had and discuss any ideas of your own. If you would like to come along or have any questions then please contact;   Geraldine Starker Community Engagement Co-ordinator Beamish Museum          0191 370 4000 (ext 2080) geraldinestraker@beamish.org.uk Tom Martin Wylam Parish Council 01661 852025 tommartin1963@sky.com

The Elizabeth Bidder Diary