George Stephenson
British civil engineer
Died when: 67 years 64 days (806 months)Star Sign: Gemini
George Stephenson (9 June 1781 – 12 August 1848) was a British civil engineer and mechanical engineer.Renowned as the "Father of Railways", Stephenson was considered by the Victorians a great example of diligent application and thirst for improvement.
Self-help advocate Samuel Smiles particularly praised his achievements.His chosen rail gauge, sometimes called "Stephenson gauge", was the basis for the 4 feet 8+1⁄2 inches (1.435 m) standard gauge used by most of the world's railways.
Pioneered by Stephenson, rail transport was one of the most important technological inventions of the 19th century and a key component of the Industrial Revolution.
Built by George and his son Robert's company Robert Stephenson and Company, the Locomotion No. 1 was the first steam locomotive to carry passengers on a public rail line, the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.
George also built the first public inter-city railway line in the world to use locomotives, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830.
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British civil engineer
British civil engineer