The first railways

Who exactly were George and Robert Stephenson? What made them tick, and how did they rise to the heights that they did?

The buildings of Liverpool Road station are one of the most incredible things about the site on which the Museum of Science and Industry sits—but a huge fire over 150 years ago almost destroyed these historic structures.

To celebrate the 189th anniversary of the Rainhill Trials, let’s take a look at how the names of the engines captured the spirit of the era, and how what you call something continues to shape how we think of the past and the future.

Like all great events, there was a range of merchandise to commemorate Rocket's triumph at the Rainhill Trials. Here's a selection of our favourite memorabilia from our collection...

You may be surprised to learn that our 'Great Western Warehouse' (formerly 'Main Building') has been renamed 'New Warehouse'. What's so new about it?

Michael Bailey, author of Rocket: A history of a pioneering locomotive, talks about the engineering that set Rocket apart from its rivals.

Browse our Liverpool and Manchester Railway collection, and discover the world-changing history of the world’s first intercity passenger railway.

These internationally significant objects reveal how goods and people have moved on the rails over the last 200 years.

Browse our photographic collection chronicling the history of the railways.