George Stephenson  Why is he famous? George Stephenson was an engineer. He built steam locomotives for the first railways. Sometimes people call him 'the Father of the Railway'.

Where did George live? Where did George live? George Stephenson was born on 9 June 1781. His home was at Willam, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Near where he lived there were coal mines. George's father worked at a coal mine. He looked after steam engines, used to pump water out of the mine.

Early life George Stephenson was born on 9 June 1781. His home was at Willam, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Near where he lived there were coal mines. George's father worked at a coal mine. He looked after steam engines, used to pump water out of the mine.

The First Railways George was very clever. He invented a lamp for miners to use underground. But his insert was steam engines.

Father And Son George Stephenson built many railways. His son Robert helped him. George paid for Robert to go to school, and to university in Edinburgh. Father and son did homework together, so George could learn more too.

The Rain hill trials Only 3 locomotives took part in the trials in October 1829. They ran backwards and forwards along a track.

The Rocket The Rocket had four wheels. It pulled a tender, a water tank on wheels. A fire burning coke heated water in a boiler to make steam. The steam power drove the wheels.

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