Stephenson’s Rocket returns north after 150 years 4 Aug 2017

Robert Stephenson’s iconic steam engine Rocket is returning to Newcastle from London for the first time in more than 150 years as part of the Great Exhibition of the North. Manufactured in 1829 at Newcastle’s Forth Street Works and aquired for the nation in 1862, it has been conserved at the Science Museum ever since. Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Director Iain Watson said “Rocket is one of the North’s great innovations, heralding the birth of passenger railways. Welcoming Rocket home as part of Great Exhibition of the North will help us tell the inspiring story of the North of England, including how we’ve shaped today’s world and continue to lead its future. We’re delighted to be working with the Science Museum Group on this exciting addition to Great Exhibition of the North.” The Great Exhibition takes place across NewcastleGateshead from June to September 2018.