The Life of George Stephenson and of his Son Robert Stephenson Comprising Also a History of the Invention and Introduction of the Railway Locomotive

CHAPTER I.

Chapter 455 wordsPublic domain

THE NEWCASTLE COAL-FIELD--GEORGE STEPHENSON'S EARLY YEARS.

Newcastle in ancient Times.--The Coal-trade.--Modern Newcastle.--The Colliery Workmen.--The Pumping-engines.--The Pitmen.--The Keelmen.--Wylam Colliery and Village.--George Stephenson's Birthplace.--The Stephenson Family.--Old Robert Stephenson.--George's Boyhood.--Employed as a Herd-boy.--Makes Clay Engines.--Employed as Corf-bitter.--Drives the Gin-horse.--Appointed assistant Fireman. 97