Overview
The Liverpool and Manchester Railway became the world’s first intercity railway when it opened on Sept. 15, 1830. The day was marred by tragedy when William Huskisson was struck and killed by the locomotive Rocket during a stop at Parkside.
A procession of trains departed Liverpool, with the Duke of Wellington traveling aboard a special train on one track while seven other trains used the parallel track. About 13 miles from Liverpool, one train derailed, but no injuries were reported and the journey continued after the locomotive was returned to the rails.
Following Huskisson’s death, Wellington considered abandoning the journey but continued because a large crowd was waiting in Manchester. He encountered a hostile reception at Liverpool Road station and remained aboard his train.
Mechanical problems then complicated the return trip, with three locomotives hauling a combined 24-carriage train back to Liverpool. The delayed train arrived about 6-and-a-half hours late.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Sept. 15, 1830