Highlighting Heritage – Prehistoric Railways

A series of collaborative events between the Arkwright Society and Belper North Mill, looking to reveal interesting aspects of local heritage. Six evening talks, from March through to October, will alternate between venues in Cromford and Belper.

Topic – Prehistoric Railways

Date: Thursday 3rd April

Location: No 28, Market Place Belper.

Speaker: Trevor Griffin

2025 is the two hundredth anniversary of railways. In 1825 George Stephenson’s “Locomotion No.1” launched the first trains on the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

But were these actually the first trains? Trevor Griffin will describe much earlier railways, including one in ancient Greece that had its own fleet of wagons and used a timetable!

By 1825 Derbyshire already had a transport network based on canals and railways, with the County at the forefront of developing early railway technology. Trevor will cover many examples, including what can still be seen today, and discuss why George Stephenson got all the credit.

A popular and knowledgeable speaker, Trevor moved to Derbyshire on retirement from his work as an engineer, and has led many walks and talks on the railways. He  also led the Butterley Gang Road project, uncovering the earliest train tunnel in the country.

Doors open at 7pm with refreshments available, (talks start at 7.30pm).

Tickets: £6 online, £7 on the door.  Please note; if room capacity is reached, regretfully we will need to turn people away if they have not booked a ticket. (Gold Arkwright Society Members need to book their complimentary ticket online)