Coinciding with the bi-centenary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the eighth International early Railways (hybrid) Conference will commence on Tuesday evening, 23rd September 2025, with a public lecture: ‘Not Just a Coal Railway; Re-evaluating the S&DR, its ambition, achievements and influence’ presented by Niall Hammond, (Chair of Trustees of the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway) and Caroline Hardie (Trustee and Editor).
This will be followed by three full days (24th-26th September) during which time 24 papers will be delivered by experienced railway historians from around the world offering the results of their research into early railway topics. Delegates will attend the conference both in person and on-line using Microsoft Teams.
The event is sponsored by the National Railway Museum, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Newcomen Society, the Railway & Canal Historical Society and the Stephenson Locomotive Society. Their will also be six poster presentations provided by the members of the Historical Metallurgy Society.