First public railway

In 1825, the world's first public railway opened in England to transport coal, various goods and passengers.

A 25-miles-long rail track was laid between the cities of Stockton and Darlington.

In the north-east of the country, the industrialist Edward Pearce financed the project. It was led by the famous inventor of the steam locomotive and railway George Stephenson.

Since this was the first passenger road, there were no wagons for transporting people yet and coal wagons were converted for them.

Before the opening, Stephenson checked all 25 miles of the canvas himself and uttered a historical phrase: "There comes a time when it will be cheaper for a working person to travel by rail than to walk."

The speed of the first train was about 13 miles per hour.

Image: Tees Valley Museums