George Stephenson

George Stephenson earned this title because the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened in 1825 using his locomotives, was the first public railway to carry both passengers and freight using steam power. This demonstrated the commercial viability of rail transport and triggered a railway-building boom across Britain and the world.

Stephenson designed the 'Rocket' in 1829 for the Rainhill Trials, a competition to select a locomotive for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The Rocket won decisively, reaching speeds of around 30 miles per hour and establishing the multi-tubular boiler design that became standard for future steam locomotives.

Stephenson began his working life as a miner in the coal pits of northeast England and was largely illiterate until attending night school as a young adult. He worked his way up to become an engine wright at Killingworth colliery, where he began improving steam locomotives used to haul coal wagons.

Yes, his son Robert Stephenson became a prominent engineer who designed locomotives, bridges, and railways independently and in partnership with his father. They co-founded Robert Stephenson and Company, the first locomotive manufacturing firm in the world, which built the Rocket and many subsequent locomotives.