John Urpeth Rastrick Trevithick's 'Catch-Me-Who-Can' (1808)

The commemorative plaque reads:-

"CLOSE TO THIS PLACE RICHARD TREVITHICK BORN 1771 - DIED 1833 PIONEER OF HIGH PRESSURE STEAM RAN IN THE YEAR 1808 THE FIRST STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TO DRAW PASSENGERS

ERECTED BY THE TREVITHICK CENTENARY MEMORIAL COMMITTEE"

The locomotive was constructed at the Hazeldine works, Bridgnorth, supervised by John Urpeth Rastrick. It ran on a circular track near the present site of Euston station and the public could ride in an open coach for one shilling. However, there were problems with the track which was not strong enough for the locomotive.

© Carolyn Bedwell, 2002

Page compiled by carolyn
Last updated 17th June, 2006.