George Stephenson (9 June 1781 – 12 August 1848) was a British civil engineer and mechanical engineer. Renowned as the "Father of Railways", Stephenson was considered by the Victorians a great example of diligent application and thirst for improvement. Self-help advocate Samuel Smiles particularly praised his achievements. His chosen rail gauge, sometimes called 'Stephenson gauge', was the basis for the 4 feet 8 ⁄2 inches (1,435 mm) standard gauge used by most of the world's railways.
Born |
9 June 1781 Wylam, Northumberland, England, UK
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Died |
12 August 1848 (aged 67) Tapton House, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
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Zodiac | Gemini |
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