Tributes paid to Robert Stephenson on the anniversary of his death

Oct 13 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

HE was born 206 years ago this week in humble circumstances on the banks of the Tyne at Willington Quay, where his parents rented one room.

Yet Robert Stephenson, who died 150 years ago yesterday, became only the second engineer in British history to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

He was the force behind the development of the modern locomotive and the railway system, and his invention of the tubular girder meant that great bridges – and ultimately skyscrapers – could be built.

Two of the region’s most famous bridges – the High Level over the Tyne and the Royal Border bridge over the Tweed at Berwick – are Robert’s work.

Tyneside’s Robert Stephenson changed the world, and yesterday the anniversary of his death was marked by wreath-laying, prayers and thanksgiving.

The ceremony took place at the Stephenson monument in Westgate Road.

Plans for the statue to his father and kindred railway pioneer George were under way when Robert died, and one of the figures seated at the monument plinth is believed to have been modelled on Robert.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East decided to mark the anniversary by laying wreaths in Newcastle and at Westminster Abbey in London.

After laying the first wreath at the Stephenson Monument with the Sheriff of the City of Newcastle councillor Brenda Hindmarsh, and ICE North East chairman Greg Lutton, regional director Stephen Larkin took a second wreath on the train to London for a repeat ceremony.

Mr Larkin said: “He was arguably the greatest civil engineer in the world.

“He not only designed locomotives but promoted them and the railway system.

“It can be argued that he is the greatest individual the North East has produced and the esteem in which he was held is shown by the fact that he is buried in Westminster Abbey.”

Mr Lutton said: “This year’s celebrations of the life and work of Robert Stephenson have been a chance to reflect, not only regionally but nationally as well, upon the legacy he has left.

“We have the Stephenson family to thank for such great feats in engineering and today has been a real day of remembrance for those achievements.”