Letter: Rocket science

Michael Messenger
Sunday 13 September 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

Sir: George Stephenson never claimed to have invented the railway locomotive; it is only latterday popular belief that has given him that accolade.

The first steam railway locomotive was built by Richard Trevithick in 1803, 11 years before George's first. Another early locomotive was built in 1811 by William Hedley close to Stephenson's home and he would have been familiar with this, too.

Stephenson does deserve to be known as the "father of railways" for his energy in promoting them throughout this country and Europe.

MICHAEL MESSENGER

Cardiff

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in