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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Liverpool and Manchester railway
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The first public railway to use exclusively steam locomotion (the *Stockton and Darlington had retained horse-drawn carriages for passengers). From 1826 the line was laid by George *Stephenson. Its route of 50km/31m included two major difficulties – the crossing of a bog, Chat Moss, and the creation of a cutting through Olive Mount. The choice of locomotive was decided in open competition at the *Rainhill trials.
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The railway opened with great ceremony on 15 September 1830 when a procession of eight of the Stephenson engines (all based on Rocket) travelled the length of the line, each drawing carriages packed with dignitaries (including the duke of Wellington, who was then prime minister). It was the occasion also of the first famous railway accident. One of the MPs for Liverpool, William Huskisson, was run over and mortally wounded by a locomotive, the Dart.
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