Lives of the Engineers Part 2

CHAPTER IX.

THE LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY PROJECTED.

Insufficient communications between Manchester and 146172 Liverpool-The ca.n.a.l monopoly-A tramroad projected-Joseph Sanders-Sir R. Phillip's speculations as to railways-Thomas Gray-William James surveys a line between Liverpool and Manchester-Opposition to the survey-Mr. James's visits to Killingworth-Robert Stephenson a.s.sists in the survey-George Stephenson appointed engineer-The first prospectus-Stephenson's survey opposed-The ca.n.a.l companies-Speculations as to railway speed-Stephenson's notions thought extravagant-Article in the 'Quarterly'-The Bill before Parliament-The Evidence-George Stephenson in the witness box-Examined as to speed-His cross-examination-The survey found defective-Mr.

Harrison's speech-Evidence of opposing engineers-Mr.

Alderson's speech-The Bill withdrawn-Stephenson's vexation-The scheme prosecuted-The line re-surveyed-Sir Isaac Coffin's speech-The Act pa.s.sed

CHAPTER X.

CHAT MOSS-CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY.

George Stephenson appointed engineer-Chat Moss 173192 described-The resident engineers-Mr. Dixon's visit of inspection-Stephenson's theory of a floating road-Operations begun-Tar-barrel drains-The embankment sinks in the Moss-Proposed abandonment of the work-Stephenson perseveres-The obstacles conquered-Road across Parr Moss-The road formed-Stephenson's organization of labour-The Liverpool Tunnel-Olive Mount Cutting-Sankey Viaduct-Stephenson and Cropper-Stephenson's labours-Pupils and a.s.sistants-His daily life-Practical education-Evenings at home

CHAPTER XI.

ROBERT STEPHENSON'S RESIDENCE IN COLOMBIA AND RETURN-THE BATTLE OF THE LOCOMOTIVE-THE "ROCKET."

Robert Stephenson mining engineer in Colombia-Mule 193220 journey to Bogota-Mariquita-Silver mining-Difficulties with the Cornishmen-His cottage at Santa Anna-Longs to return home-Resigns his post-Meeting with Trevithick-Voyage to New York, and shipwreck-Returns to Newcastle, and takes charge of the factory-The working power of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway-Fixed engines and locomotives, and their respective advocates-Walker and Rastrick's report-A prize offered for the best locomotive-Conferences of the Stephensons-Boiler arrangements and heating surface-Mr. Booth's contrivance-Building of the "Rocket"-The compet.i.tion of engines at Rainhill-The "Novelty" and "Sanspareil"-Triumph of the "Rocket," and its destination

CHAPTER XII.

OPENING OF THE LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY, AND EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY SYSTEM.

The railway finished-The traffic arrangements 221236 organized-Public opening of the line-Accident to Mr.

Huskisson-Arrival of the trains at Manchester-The traffic results-Improvement of the road and rolling stock-Improvements in the locomotive-The railway a wonder-Extension of the railway system-Joint-stock railway companies-New lines projected-New engineers-The Grand Junction-Public opposition to railways-Robert Stephenson engineer to the Leicester and Swannington Railway-George Stephenson removes to Snibston-Sinks for and gets coal-Stimulates local enterprise-His liberality

CHAPTER XIII.

ROBERT STEPHENSON CONSTRUCTS THE LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY.

The line projected-George and Robert Stephenson 237252 appointed engineers-Opposition-Hostile pamphlets and public meetings-Robert Stephenson and Sir Astley Cooper-The survey obstructed-The opposing clergyman-The Bill in Parliament-Thrown out in the Lords-Proprietors conciliated, and the Act obtained-The works let in contracts-The difficulties of the undertaking-The line described-Blisworth Cutting-Primrose Hill Tunnel-Kilsby Tunnel-Its construction described-Cost of the Railway greatly increased-Failure of contractors-Magnitude of the works-Railway navvies

CHAPTER XIV.

MANCHESTER AND LEEDS, AND MIDLAND RAILWAYS-STEPHENSON'S LIFE AT ALTON-VISIT TO BELGIUM-GENERAL EXTENSION OF RAILWAYS AND THEIR RESULTS.

Projection of new lines-Dutton Viaduct, Grand 253274 Junction-The Manchester and Leeds-Summit Tunnel, Littleborough-Magnitude of the work-The Midland Railway-The works compared with the Simplon road-Slip near Ambergate-Bull Bridge-The York and North Midland-George Stephenson on his surveys-His quick observation-Travelling and correspondence-Life at Alton Grange-The Stephensons' London office-Visits to Belgium-Interviews with the King-Public openings of English railways-Stephenson's pupils and a.s.sistants-Prophecies falsified concerning railways-Their advantageous results

CHAPTER XV.

GEORGE STEPHENSON'S COAL MINES-THE ATMOSPHERIC SYSTEM-RAILWAY MANIA-VISITS TO BELGIUM AND SPAIN.

George Stephenson on railways and 275300 coal-traffic-Leases the Claycross estate, and sinks for coal-His extensive lime-works-Removes to Tapton House-British a.s.sociation at Newcastle-Appears at Mechanics' Inst.i.tutes-Speech at Leeds-His self-acting brake-His views of railway speed-Theory of "undulating lines"-Chester and Birkenhead Company-Stephenson's liberality-Atmospheric railways projected-Stephenson opposes the principle of working-The railway mania-Stephenson resists, and warns against it-George Hudson, "Railway King"-Parliament and the mania-Stephenson's letter to Sir R. Peel-Again visits Belgium-Interviews with King Leopold-Journey into Spain

CHAPTER XVI.

ROBERT STEPHENSON'S CAREER-THE STEPHENSONS AND BRUNEL-EAST COAST ROUTE TO SCOTLAND-ROYAL BORDER BRIDGE, BERWICK-HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE, NEWCASTLE.

George Stephenson's retirement-Robert's employment 301319 as Parliamentary Engineer-His rival Brunel-The Great Western Railway-The width of gauge-Robert Stephenson's caution as to investments-The Newcastle and Berwick Railway-Contest in Parliament-George Stephenson's interview with Lord Howick-Royal Border Bridge, Berwick-Progress of iron-bridge building-Robert Stephenson constructs the High Level Bridge, Newcastle-Pile-driving by steam-Characteristics of the structure-Through railway to Scotland completed

CHAPTER XVII.

ROBERT STEPHENSON'S TUBULAR BRIDGES AT MENAI AND CONWAY.

George Stephenson surveys a line from Chester to 320340 Holyhead-Robert Stephenson's construction of the works at Penmaen Mawr-Crossing of the Menai Strait-Various plans proposed-A tubular beam determined on-Strength of wrought-iron tubes-Mr.

William Fairbairn consulted-His experiments-The design settled-The Britannia Bridge described-The Conway Bridge-Floating of the tubes-Lifting of the tubes-Robert Stephenson's anxieties-Bursting of the Hydraulic Press-The works completed-Merits of the Britannia and Conway Bridges

CHAPTER XVIII.

GEORGE STEPHENSON'S CLOSING YEARS-ILLNESS AND DEATH.

George Stephenson's Life at Tapton-Experiments in 341356 Horticulture, Gardening, and Farming-Affection for animals-Bird-hatching and bee-keeping-Reading and conversation-Rencontre with Lord Denman-Hospitality at Tapton-Experiments with the microscope-Frolics-"A crowdie night"-Visits to London-Visit to Sir Robert Peel at Drayton Manor-Encounter with Dr.

Buckland-Coal formed by the sun's light-Opening of the Trent Valley Railway-Meeting with Emerson-Illness, death, and funeral-Memorial Statues

CHAPTER XIX.

ROBERT STEPHENSON'S VICTORIA BRIDGE, LOWER CANADA-ILLNESS AND DEATH-STEPHENSON CHARACTERISTICS.

Robert Stephenson's inheritances-Gradual retirement 357380 from the profession of engineer-His last great works-Tubular Bridges over the St. Lawrence and the Nile-The Grand Trunk Railway, Canada-Necessity for a great railway bridge near Montreal-Discussion as to the plan-Robert Stephenson's report-A tubular bridge determined on-Ma.s.siveness of the piers-Ice-floods in the St. Lawrence-Victoria Bridge constructed and completed-Tubular bridges in Egypt-The Suez Ca.n.a.l-Robert Stephenson's employment as arbitrator-a.s.sists Brunel at launching of the "Great Eastern"-Regardlessness of health-Death and Funeral-Characteristics of the Stephensons and resume of their history-Politics of father and son-Services rendered to civilization by the Stephensons

INDEX 381

LIST OF ILl.u.s.tRATIONS.

PAGE

Portrait of George Stephenson _to face t.i.tle page_ High Level Bridge, _to face_ 1 Map of Newcastle District 2 f.l.a.n.g.e rail 6 Coal-staith on the Tyne 10 Coal waggons 11 Wylam Colliery and village 12 High Street House, Wylam-George Stephenson's birthplace 14 Newburn on the Tyne 20 Colliery Whimsey 30 Stephenson's Cottage, Willington Quay 31 West Moor Colliery 37 Killingworth High Pit 46 Glebe Farm House, Benton 47 Rutter's School House, Long Benton 51 Bruce's School, Newcastle 53 Stephenson's Cottage, West Moor 57 Sun-dial at Killingworth 60 Colliers' Cottages at Long Benton 62 Cugnot's Engine 64 Section of Murdock's Model Locomotive 66 Trevithick's high-pressure Tram-Engine 70 Improved Wylam Engine 78 Spur-gear 83 The Pit-head, West Moor 91 Davy's and Stephenson's Safety-lamps 101 West Moor Pit, Killingworth 108 Half-lap joint 111 Old Killingworth Locomotive 113 Map of Stockton and Darlington Railway 123 Portrait of Edward Pease 124 The first Railway Coach 139 The No. 1 Engine at Darlington 142 Middlesborough-on-Tees 145 Map of Liverpool and Manchester Railway (Western Part) 150 ,, (Eastern part) 151 Surveying on Chat Moss 172 Olive Mount Cutting 184 Sankey Viaduct 186 Robert Stephenson's Cottage at Santa Anna 198 The "Rocket" 212 Locomotive compet.i.tion, Rainhill 215 Railway _versus_ Road 220 Map of Leicester and Swannington Railway 233 Stephenson's House at Alton Grange 236 Portrait of Robert Stephenson, _to face_ 237 Map of London and Birmingham Railway (Rugby to Watford) 242 Blisworth Cutting 243 Shafts over Kilsby Tunnel 246 Dutton Viaduct 254 Entrance to Summit Tunnel, Lancashire and Yorkshire 256 Railway Land-slip, near Ambergate, North Midland Railway 259 Bullbridge, near Ambergate 260 Coalville and Snibston Colliery 274 Tapton House, near Chesterfield 275 Lime-works at Ambergate 278 Newcastle, from the High Level Bridge 301 Royal Border Bridge, Berwick-upon-Tweed 311 High Level Bridge-Elevation of one Arch 318 Penmaen Mawr 322 Map of Menai Straits 325 Conway Tubular Bridge 334 Britannia Bridge 339 Conway Bridge-Floating the first Tube 340 View in Tapton Gardens 341 Pathway to Tapton House 347 Trinity Church, Chesterfield 355 Tablet in Trinity Church, Chesterfield 356 The Victoria Bridge, Montreal 357 Robert Stephenson's Burial-place in Westminster Abbey 369 The Stephenson Memorial Schools, Willington Quay 380

[Picture: Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the High-level Bridge]

CHAPTER I.

NEWCASTLE AND THE GREAT NORTHERN COAL-FIELD.

In no quarter of England have greater changes been wrought by the successive advances made in the practical science of engineering than in the extensive colliery districts of the North, of which Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the centre and the capital.

In ancient times the Romans planted a colony at Newcastle, throwing a bridge across the Tyne near the site of the low-level bridge shown in the prefixed engraving, and erecting a strong fortification above it on the high ground now occupied by the Central Railway Station. North and north-west lay a wild country, abounding in moors, mountains, and mora.s.ses, but occupied to a certain extent by fierce and barbarous tribes. To defend the young colony against their ravages, a strong wall was built by the Romans, extending from Wallsend on the north bank of the Tyne, a few miles below Newcastle, across the country to Burgh-upon-Sands on the Solway Firth. The remains of the wall are still to be traced in the less populous hill-districts of Northumberland. In the neighbourhood of Newcastle they have been gradually effaced by the works of succeeding generations, though the "Wallsend" coal consumed in our household fires still serves to remind us of the great Roman work.

[Picture: Map of Newcastle District]

After the withdrawal of the Romans, Northumbria became planted by immigrant Saxons from North Germany and Nors.e.m.e.n from Scandinavia, whose Eorls or Earls made Newcastle their princ.i.p.al seat. Then came the Normans, from whose _New_ Castle, built some eight hundred years since, the town derived its present name. The keep of this venerable structure, black with age and smoke, still stands entire at the northern end of the n.o.ble high-level bridge-the utilitarian work of modern times thus confronting the warlike relic of the older civilisation.

The nearness of Newcastle to the Scotch Border was a great hindrance to its security and progress in the middle ages of English history. Indeed, the district between it and Berwick continued to be ravaged by moss-troopers long after the union of the Crowns. The gentry lived in their strong Peel castles; even the larger farm-houses were fortified; and bloodhounds were trained for the purpose of tracking the cattle-reavers to their retreats in the hills. The Judges of a.s.size rode from Carlisle to Newcastle guarded by an escort armed to the teeth. A tribute called "dagger and protection money" was annually paid by the Sheriff of Newcastle for the purpose of providing daggers and other weapons for the escort; and, though the need of such protection has long since ceased, the tribute continues to be paid in broad gold pieces of the time of Charles the First.

Until about the middle of last century the roads across Northumberland were little better than horse-tracks, and not many years since the primitive agricultural cart with solid wooden wheels was almost as common in the western parts of the county as it is in Spain now. The tract of the old Roman road continued to be the most practicable route between Newcastle and Carlisle, the traffic between the two towns having been carried along it upon packhorses until a comparatively recent period.