Stockton and Darlington Railway No. 1 “Locomotion”

Locomotion No. 1 is a steam locomotive displayed at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum that was built to power trains on rails. It features mechanical coupling rods connecting its driving wheels and was constructed from iron, wood, copper alloy, and leather parts that you can observe in detail.

Built in 1825 by Robert Stephenson and Company in Newcastle, this locomotive pulled the first passenger train on a public railway on September 27, 1825. That journey marked the beginning of modern rail transport and changed how people and goods could move across distances.

The locomotive appears on Darlington's coat of arms and council badge, showing how deeply the town identifies with its railway past. You can sense this pride when you walk through the town and see how locals regard this machine as part of their identity.

You can examine the locomotive up close at the museum and observe its original components made from metal, wood, copper alloy, and leather. Taking time to walk around it slowly helps you understand how the different parts work together as a complete machine.

After being retired from service in 1841, the machine was used as a stationary engine at a coal colliery before being brought back for display in 1856. This second life shows how people found new uses for the technology even after its main role had ended.