The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway

Hi Everyone,

Railway Stories today looks at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. This was the first railway in the world between two cities. The scene on the opening day, Wednesday 15th September 1830 was a huge occasion. Crowds thronged the streets of Liverpool which were near the station, situated as it was on the boundary of the town. The event attracted a good number of wealthy and fashionable people who paraded in colourful clothing, all of them enjoying the fair weather. They arrived in their impressive carriages at Crown Street between 9 and 10 o'clock in the morning, all eager to board the first special trains to Manchester.

Eight trains were assembled in turn to take their elegantly dressed passengers eastward.

At the first stop at Parkside near Newton-le-Willows for water, needed to replenish the locomotives, a sad event occurred. Among the passengers was Mr William Huskisson, the M.P. for Liverpool who had decided, along with others, to get down from his train whilst it was waiting. He had just shaken hands with the Duke of Wellington, when he was distracted by the approach of another train, wheron he lost his footing and stumbled. The leading wheel of the locomotive shattered his leg. the Earl of Wilton and others came to the rescue, but his last words before fainting were, "Where is Mrs Huskisson? I have met my death. God forgive me."