<P> That design persuaded the backers of the proposed Stockton and Darlington Railway to appoint Stephenson as Engineer for the line in 1821 . While traffic was originally intended to be horse - drawn , Stephenson carried out a fresh survey of the route to allow steam haulage . The Act was subsequently amended to allow the usage of steam locomotives and also to allow passengers to be carried on the railway . The 25 - mile ( 40 km ) long route opened on 27 September 1825 and , with the aid of Stephenson 's Locomotion No 1 , was the first locomotive - hauled public railway in the world . </P>
<P> That design persuaded the backers of the proposed Stockton and Darlington Railway to appoint Stephenson as Engineer for the line in 1821 . While traffic was originally intended to be horse - drawn , Stephenson carried out a fresh survey of the route to allow steam haulage . The Act was subsequently amended to allow the usage of steam locomotives and also to allow passengers to be carried on the railway . The 25 - mile ( 40 km ) long route opened on 27 September 1825 and , with the aid of Stephenson 's Locomotion No 1 , was the first locomotive - hauled public railway in the world . </P>
when was the first railway line built in britain
when was the first railway line built in britain
1825
1825