Museum 'thrilled' as loco legend's statue returns

A STATUE of one of the North East's greatest achievers has returned to the region.

- TONY HENDERSON

Robert Stephenson, born in 1803 in one of a row of one-room workers' cottages at Willington Quay in what is now North Tyneside, was accorded the high honour of burial in Westminster Abbey after his death in 1859.

A statue which was later erected at Euston Station in London has now been installed near the entrance of the Locomotion museum's Main Hall in Shildon, County Durham, and coincides with the 200th anniversary celebrations of the history-making Stockton and Darlington railway.

Robert is positioned opposite Gaunless Bridge, designed by his father George in 1823. The bridge was restored and sited at the museum last year.

Sarah Price, head of Locomotion, said: "We are thrilled to welcome this magnificent statue to Locomotion. As one of the most influential engineers in railway history, Robert Stephenson's legacy is deeply connected to Shildon, the world's first railway town.

"Having this iconic monument on display alongside the pioneering locomotives and engineering marvels he helped to inspire is a fantastic boost for Locomotion and for the region during a landmark year in railway history.