Robert Stephenson

Learn more about Robert Stephenson

Education and training

In 1815, Robert Stephenson was sent to Mr Bruce’s academy in Newcastle to study mathematics.

He left in 1819 to become an apprentice coal viewer (today, a mining engineer) at the Killingworth colliery, where his father, George Stephenson, had worked for several years building engines.

He then assisted his father in the survey for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first public steam rail line, until it’s completion in 1822.

Robert then attended the University of Edinburgh for one term, studying mathematics, chemistry and geology.

Career

Early career

After leaving Edinburgh, Stephenson became the managing partner of Robert Stephenson and Co in Newcastle.

Established in 1823, it aimed to meet the demand for locomotive engines which George Stephenson rightly predicted would increase over the course of the next few years.

However, just a year later, Robert Stephenson accepted an offer to oversee the gold and silver mines of the Columbian Mining Association. He was also responsible for reporting on various engineering works taking place in the country.

He worked in South America for three years. On his way back to England, he visited the United States of America and Canada.

It was on this journey that he met Richard Trevithick, inventor of the first high-pressure steam engine and the first operational steam locomotive.

It’s believed that this trip and the conversations between the two geniuses made Stephenson consider the locomotive more thoroughly.

The Rocket

When Stephenson returned to England in December 1827, he found the Stockton and Darlington line was now in full operation. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was also fast approaching completion.

In 1829, there was a wide conversation around the best means of traction for the new line. This resulted in the famous Rainhill Trials which offered £500 (equivalent to over £70,000 today) compensation for the best locomotive design for the railway.

Robert Stephenson famously won the trials with his Rocket design, a pioneering steam locomotive.

Its key innovative design features included:

• Multi-tubular boiler: allowed for more efficient heat transfer and steam production
• Blast pipe: improved the draft of the fire, increasing efficiency
• Direct connection between the pistons and the driving wheels: enhanced power transmission

The success of this design demonstrated the viability of steam-powered rail travel, leading to its widespread use and the rapid expansion of railways.

It marked a significant milestone in the Industrial Revolution, transforming transportation and commerce in the UK.

London and Birmingham Railway

Between the end of 1827 and 1833, Stephenson worked in railway construction.

He worked with his father on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway as well as laying minor lines in the area.

The first work he was solely responsible for was the London and Birmingham Railway. He was appointed chief engineer in 1833.

This was of huge historical interest due to the difficulties in its construction and because it was the first iron road into London.

The 112-mile line started at Euston Station in London and travelled northwest to Rugby, then west to Coventry, and finally to Birmingham.

The route was chosen to avoid potential flooding from the River Thames and to navigate through the Watford Gap – a low-lying area between two hills in the Midlands.

The construction of the London and Birmingham Railway faced several challenges throughout its construction including:

• Geological issues: one of the most notable challenges was the construction of Kilsby Tunnel. Engineers ran into quicksand, which caused severe delays and required innovative solutions to stabilise the tunnel.
• Opposition from landowners: many landowners disagreed with the railways construction as they feared it would disrupt their estates and livelihoods. This led to legal battles and needing to pay vast amounts of compensation.
• Engineering feats: the project involved extensive earthworks, including deep cuttings and high embankments.
• Labour and safety: thousands of people were employed to work on the railway, under harsh conditions. Safety standards were minimal, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities.
• Financial and logistical challenges: the weekly expenditure for such a large-scale project was enormous, and coordinating the workforce and materials across the 112-mile route required meticulous planning.

The railway opened in stages between 1837 and 1838. It revolutionised transport by significantly reducing travel time between London and Birmingham.

It facilitated the movement of goods and people and left a lasting impact on the economic and social landscape of the UK.

International significance

After the successful completion of the London and Birmingham Railway, Robert Stephenson’s expertise in railway engineering was sought after globally.

He was instrumental in advising on the construction of the Belgian railway network, which became one of the first in continental Europe.

He also helped develop railway lines in Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Canada, Egypt and India.

Robert Stephenson’s global impact on railway engineering not only advanced transportation but also fostered economic growth and connectivity in these countries.

Bridges

Robert Stephenson is also known for his work designing various bridges around the UK and internationally, including:

• The High-Level Bridge in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• The Victoria Bridge in Berwick
• The Britannia Bridge in Wales
• The Conway and the Britannia tubular bridges on the Chester and Holyhead line
• The Victoria tubular bridge over the St. Lawrence River in Montreal
• Several of the tubular bridges over the River Nile on the Egyptian railway, from Alexandria to Suez

Personal life

Robert Stephenson was born on 16 October 1803 at Willington Quay, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

He was the only son of George Stephenson, also known as the ‘father of the railway system’.

He died in London on 12 October 1859 and was laid to rest at Westminster Abbey, next to Thomas Telford.