I really enjoy the programs about the early days of steam but feel I need to take issue over the beginnings.

Recently there was a program on Discovery that hailed the Stockton to Darlington railway as the first. How wrong! George Stephenson was already established with a standard gauge line using locomotives in 1822 at Hetton Le Hole. The Hetton Colliery railway was opened in August 1822 when thousands of people came to see the FIRST locomotives on a standard gauge line.

The program makers never even mentioned how important or large, at 8 miles long this railway was. And the fact that it remained open until 1960! Our colliery railway was the first, the most important and the one that set the rules for rail travel today. Let it not be forgotten.

Regards Steve

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Sheffield Park Railway Station, Station Approach, Uckfield, East Sussex, England, UK

Mark Williams on the Rails

Episodes12

Photos

Cast1

User reviews4

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed