On this day in history

The world’s first-ever steam-powered railway journey took place on 21 February 1804, thanks to Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick. His steam locomotive made history by running nine miles from the Penydarren Ironworks to the Merthyr–Cardiff Canal in south Wales. Travelling at barely five miles an hour, the engine hauled 10 tons of iron and 70 men along the railway tracks.