An investigation has begun to discover the heritage of an icon of early railway development, Locomotion No. 1.
The project led by Dr Michael Bailey—a world expert in early railways—and his colleague Peter Davidson will seek to deepen public understanding of the historic locomotive by finding evidence to date its components and to uncover how much of the engine preserved today has survived from the original engine constructed in 1825.
Dr Bailey has previously carried out numerous similar investigations on locomotives such as Rocket, the Hetton Lyon, and Killingworth Billy and has both proved and disproved long-standing theories and stories associated with these engines through his investigations.
This is the first time a project of this type has been attempted on Locomotion No. 1.
Speaking ahead of the project, Dr Bailey said: “Locomotion No. 1 was the first locomotive to be preserved out of sentiment and as a result shows that there was some understanding that the railway industry had been very successful, despite it only being 1857. Ever since, it has been on display in Darlington in various locations.
“However, what is not clear about the engine is how much of what we look at today has survived since the day it was made and how much has been altered. We already have a number of theories that have formed, and this investigation provides us with the opportunity to test those theories so that we can help the National Railway Museum and Locomotion best inform their visitors about what they come to see.”
Dr Bailey and Mr Davidson’s investigation will involve a detailed in-person study of the locomotive but also in-depth archival research, with Dr Bailey planning trips to the National Archives in Kew as well as archives in Newcastle, Durham and Darlington to provide as much factual information as possible.
The investigation is estimated to take between 6-8 months to complete, with most of the time being taken up by drawings that will be completed primarily by Mr Davidson, intertwined with the visits for the physical investigation of the locomotive.
Locomotion No. 1 was the first locomotive to be used on a steam worked public railway on what turned out to be a momentous trip from Shildon to the port of Stockton back in September 1825, beginning its journey near to the current Locomotion site.
The engine has been at its new home at Locomotion in Shildon since March last year after a deal was agreed between the NRM and Head of Steam in Darlington to relocate the engine. As part of the deal, the engine will return on loan to Head of Steam for the first half of 2025 as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Dr Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said: “We’re delighted that Dr Michael Bailey and Peter Davidson are beginning their investigation of Locomotion No. 1. This engine has such a rich history associated with it and we are intrigued to see what they uncover in order to better our understanding of our collection.
“The investigation is happening during an exciting time for the museum with our Vision 2025 project starting to take shape. Our plans for a new collection building have recently been unveiled and show the planned transformation of our site. Celebrations for the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway are also around the corner, and Locomotion No. 1 will form a key part of those.
“Durham is bidding to be the UK’s City of Culture in 2025 and as a museum we are proud to support that through our historical exhibits and cultural impact.”
Visitors will still be able to see the 197-year-old locomotive during its investigation at Locomotion, Shildon, and the engine will not be damaged by any physical investigation of it.
For more information please contact:
Josh Chapman, Communication Officer, 01904 929515
joshua.chapman@railwaymuseum.org.uk
Simon Baylis, PR & Press Manager, 01904 686 299
simon.baylis@railwaymuseum.org.uk
Notes to Editors
About Locomotion
- Locomotion offers visitors the chance to see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in Shildon - the world’s first railway town
- Locomotion forms part of the Science Museum Group, along with the Science Museum in London, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford and the National Railway Museum in York
- Locomotion is a partnership between the Science Museum Group and Durham County Council, which is a major funder of the museum
- Admission to Locomotion is free – visit www.locomotion.org.uk/home for more information
