Nov. 18. The Hetton Coal Company effected the first shipment of coals at their newly erected staith on the banks of the river Wear, at Sunderland. The waggon way, which extends over a space of 8 miles from the colliery to the river, and in its course crosses Warden Law (one of the highest hills in this part of the country), was crowded with spectators to witness the first operations of the powerful and ingenious machinery employed for conveying the coal waggons. Five of Mr. George Stephenson's patent travelling engines, two 60 horse power fixed reciprocating engines, and 5 self acting inclined planes (all under the direction of Mr. Robert Stephenson, the company's resident engineer), simultaneously performing their various and complicated offices with the precision and exactness of the most simple machinery, exhibited a spectacle at once interesting to science, and encouraging to commerce. After the business of the day, the owners of the colliery, with about 50 of their friends, dined at Miss Jowsey's, the Bridge inn, Bishopwearmouth.
From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867
In 1823, George Stephenson, his son Robert Stephenson, and partners, opened the world’s first purpose built locomotive works on Forth Banks (entrance on South Street), Newcastle. The "Locomotion", "Rocket", and "Planet" many other locomotives were built at the works. Many were exported to developing railways all around the world.
