Chapter 13

ROBERT STEPHENSON CONSTRUCTS THE LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY.

The line projected--George and Robert Stephenson 237-252 appointed engineers--Opposition--Hostile pamphlets and public meetings--Robert Stephenson and Sir Astley Cooper--The survey obstructed--The opposing clergyman--The Bill in Parliament--Thrown out in the Lords--Proprietors conciliated, and the Act obtained--The works let in contracts--The difficulties of the undertaking--The line described--Blisworth Cutting--Primrose Hill Tunnel--Kilsby Tunnel--Its construction described--Cost of the Railway greatly increased--Failure of contractors--Magnitude of the works--Railway navvies