Historic railway works transformed the world
BILL EDGAR on how a museum’s expansion is offering fresh insights into the North East’s proud railway history
AFRESH exhibition space has been unveiled at Locomotion in Shildon, offering insights into County Durham’s pivotal contributions to railway history.
The recently inaugurated New Hall narrates the tale of the early days of railway innovation.
Designed to resemble an engine shed, this bespoke facility pays homage to Shildon’s legacy as the cradle of the renowned railway works, which ceased operations in 1984.
Locomotion officials have expressed that the site’s transformation and the addition of the New Hall have unlocked new perspectives on the railway realm.
“Shildon did so much to change the world with the railways,” commented Judith McNicol, director of the National Railway Museum, which is responsible for Locomotion. “We want to show people the significance this area had.”
To enhance the visitor experience, the new establishment combines interactive elements with its collection of historic vehicles, offering a glimpse into the evolution of life on the railways.
Sarah Price, head of Locomotion, said: “We have interviews with people involved with the railways here that has allowed us to give a voice to the people involved. Shildon set the blueprint for the railways around the world. Rail has always been important and still is.”
The New Hall opened on Friday and officials hope to attract 250,000 visitors a year to its display of more than 100 historic vehicles and artifacts celebrating the role of Shildon as the world’s first railway town.
“We want to make sure visitors keep coming here,” added Ms Price. “This is the start of a really exciting new chapter for Locomotion.”
It is the first new project to open in the region that benefited from levelling up funding after the council was awarded £20m in 2021.
Durham County Council leader Amanda Hopgood said the redevelopment of the site is a victory for culture in County Durham. She added: “It’s leading by example. We cannot understate what culture does for regeneration and the economy.”
And it’s exciting new exhibition spaces like the New Hall which help highlight the region’s history. Redevelopment works at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Durham Light Infantry Museum, and The Story were all referenced by Cllr Hopgood.
“These projects help put County Durham on the map. We’re going to shout from the rooftops about this. We have so much culture here and the biggest economy in the North East, and we need to tell people what’s on offer.”
Among the historically significant vehicles built at the Shildon works on display are two snowploughs, a tracked Bren Gun Carrier, two cranes, and the Hetton Colliery Lyon, built in 1851. The museum’s existing Main Hall has also been refreshed and redisplayed.
Almost 1,000 vehicles were moved to achieve the new displays in the museum’s largest ever series of shunts, involving a team of in-house workshop and traction experts, conservators, and specialist contractors.
New Hall uses oral histories from former rail workers, historic film clips and graphics to bring its collection to life. It highlights the importance of coal, industry and freight transportation, and how the North East’s industry and innovation impacted the world.
Changes to the Locomotion site include the reinstallation of the iconic Gaunless Bridge, a creation of George Stephenson.
Originally spanning the River Gaunless from 1823 until its removal in 1901, it was one of the first railway bridges made of iron and the very first to utilise an iron truss. After a sympathetic restoration and repainting to its original colour scheme in early 2024, it now stands on the approach to New Hall.
Upgrades at Locomotion include newly-planted landscaped gardens to boost biodiversity, renovations to historic railway buildings, improved parking facilities, and the refurbishment of the site’s historic coal drops.
During the half-term break, there will be a host of activities including steam engine rides on a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket, live outdoor stage performances, pop-up science exhibits, storytelling sessions, and crafting activities.