William Thomas and a reappraisal of the Stockton and Darlington Railway | A Lecture by Les Turnbull

A lecture by Les Turnbull

Unfortunately, this event has had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We will update you when we have a new date for this event to take place.

As the railway world prepares itself for the fourth jubilee celebrations of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and the Lit & Phil celebrates the bicentenary of the opening of its permanent home, it is appropriate that a book is being published about one of the founding members of the Lit & Phil, William Thomas, for he was both one of the worthies who raised the money for the building site at the bottom of Westgate Road and the prophet of the modern railway system.

Stockton Darlington Opening, 1825 | Image from Lit & Phil Collection

There is a popularly held misconception that the modern railway system began with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27th September 1825. Les Turnbull’s new book argues that the idea for the inter-city railway network lies in a lecture given to members of the Lit & Phil on 11th February 1800 by William Thomas.

History has not been kind to William Thomas who is now almost forgotten despite his importance. Hopefully this will change in 2025 when he will be remembered for his visionary thoughts about railways and his support for the Lit and Phil in the society’s formative years.

Unfortunately, this event has had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We we update you when we have a new date for this event to take place.

(If you would prefer to book directly over the phone, please call the Library Desk team on 0191 232 0192 and they will be happy to help)