Briefing: 150th anniversary of Robert Stephenson's death Available to Purchase

October 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the death of Robert Stephenson and his burial in Westminster Abbey. He is one of only two engineers—the other being Thomas Telford—to be buried in the Abbey, reflecting the deep respect with which both were held. Although his reputation is maintained among discerning students of engineering history, Stephenson is less well known today among the population at large, and this year's anniversary provides an opportunity to promote further knowledge of his life and career.

Stephenson's career coincided with the start and extraordinary growth of the main line railway network for which he was...