PERICULUM PRIVATUM UTILITAS PUBLICA
	In 1821, the Company adopted a corporate seal, depicting a horse pulling wagons along a railway line and a motto 'Periculum privatam utilitas publica'. meaning private risk for public service. The choice of trademark and motto displayed publicly that the Company favoured the use of horses. The first rail of the line was laid in ceremonial style on 24th May, 1822 at Stockton by the Chairman of the Company, Thomas Meynell. The civic dignitaries turned out, bells were rung and ships sirens could be heard from the river. A procession through the streets was followed by the firing of a salute as Thomas Meynell laid the first stretch of rail. On this auspices occasion, Mr. Meynell refrained from making a speech. It was reported, however, that an enterprising young boy, shortly after the ceremony, was heard shouting in the streets of Stockton "Speech of Mr. Meynell, one penny". Anyone who parted with their money received a blank piece of paper in return. DURHAM COUNTY ADVERTISER: 25TH. MAY 1822 "Yesterday being the day for laying the first part of the Stockton and Darlington Rail-road, the morning was ushered in at Stockton by the ringing of the Church bells and the display of flags, which floated on the ships in the harbour, the Town Hall, and many private houses...On the rails being placed, a royal salute was fired from several cannon, stationed in a field near the spot, and the band struck up 'God save the King'." The most impressive structure on the line was undoubtedly the bridge over the River Skerne at Darlington. George Stephenson designed the first iron railway bridge, which crossed the Gaunless River, and it was his proposal to build an iron bridge on brick piers over the Skerne. The nature of the ground on the river bank made this a difficult proposition. Delays by Stephenson in deciding on the basis of the structure, resulted in the Committee approaching the eminent architect, Ignatius Bonomi. The foundation stone was laid by Francis Newburn on 6th July, 1824. The Company wanted it to be made of stone and be impressive, which it was. An announcement was made in the local press promising general hospitality and a free ride, to popularise the new system of transport. "STOCKTON & DARLINGTON RAILWAY"  "The Proprietors of the above concern hereby give notice that their main line Railway, commencing at Witton Park Colliery, in the west of this county and terminating at Stockton-on-Tees on the east, with several branches at Darlington, Yarm, etc., being about 27 miles in extent will be opened for the general purposes of trade, on Tuesday, the 27th inst..........A superior Loco Motive Travelling Engine, of the most improved construction, will be employed with a train of convenient carriages, for the conveyance of the Proprietors and strangers.Any gentleman who may intend to be present on the above occasion will oblige the Company by addressing a note to their office in Darlington as early as possible. Stockton & Darlington Company's Office September 14th, 1825. "
The Golden Age of Steam Illustrated with many contemporary photographs, artwork, posters and cards. CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS BOOK AT AMAZON Timothy Hackworth and the Locomotive Written principally from the papers of Timothy Hackworth by Robert Young, a descendant of Hackworth. Although there are instances where the Author shows his bias, overall the authenticity and factual information is reliable. CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS BOOK AT AMAZON

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