How Middleton Railway Changed the World

Middleton Railway is the world's oldest continually running railway. But the story of how it was at the forefront of British locomotive history rarely gets told. Its two pioneers, Matthew Murray and John Blenkinsop, were responsible for kick-starting the British railway boom.

Many thanks to the Middleton Railway for commissioning this video and aiding me in my filming and research.

Further reading:

A History of the Middleton Railway in Leeds, Eighth Edition.
Gibson, WIlliam (2010). Britain 1660-1851: The Making of the Nation, Robinson: London.
Scott, K. E. (1928). Matthew Murray, Pioneer Engineer: Records from 1765 to 1826, Edwin Jowett: Leeds.
Rolt, L. T. C. (1960). George and Robert Stephenson: The Railway Revolution, Penguin.
Thompson, P. M. (2015). Matthew Murray 1765-1826 and the Firm of Fenton Murray and Co 1795-1844.

[melizen]

What a marvelous history, brought alive by your well-researched and compellingly presented video - complete with historical backdrop/costume/music and artifacts - thank you!

[NarnianRailway]

Extraordinary indeed. A fine adventure exploring the early history of locomotive development and giving credit where due. Presentation of Murray and Blenkinsop's contribution and the cog rail design was excellent. Yorkshire's finest historian and treasure.
Thank you to the Middleton Railway Society.

[DreadAnon]

Something about your videos I find very humbling is learning that there are hugely important areas of history that I straight-up know nothing about. I think this one was your best yet! Thank you so much for everything you do.

[SimnTrains]

This was really interesting never heard of Matthew Murray and John Blenkinsop till today. A really informative lovely video, Thank you.

[MarcusAgrippa]

I also had never heard of these gentlemen, but it was a fascinating lesson in history.
Job well done as usual!

[j]

Excellent as usual. Learned loads again from this. Thank you so much.

[themadburleigh]

What a brilliant video very informative and very well put together. I'm a volunteer at Middleton railway and you've given me loads of new information I didnt know about. Subscribed 😊

[damo.lufc.england.]

Good old Miggy, as Middleton is known as, here in Leeds.

Brilliant and informative video, as always, keep up the great work, which you will.

And, as always, best wishes to you and yours from me and mine.

[wakefieldtrainlad]

Yes indeed. A terrific video. Personally I think this should deserve way more recognition than it currently gets. Added to my favourites and no mistake! Keep up the hard work. Kind regards, Dan.

[ash]

1:30 Ah I remember Wind, Water & Horse, the little-known predecessors to Earth, Wind & Fire.

[johnherbert]

Thanks for another super video. I know much much more about Yorkshire because of you 🙂

[davidclarke]

Brilliant, well presented, fun, and enjoyed. Many thanks.

[TicTacTrolleyServiceTico]

Of all the history videos i've seen on YouTube and on TV your video on the Middleton Railway is the best i've seen! Very informative and very well made! I have subscribed to your channel as a result of your amazing work!

[hallamhal]

I wonder if it's a north/south divide, because where I'm from you can't move for pubs named after Brunel! Stephenson still gets lots of love of course 😊

[chrisjackson]

Excellent video as always, it would be nice to see you do more on the railways of Yorkshire.

[wTiger]

Quality videos. Keep them coming mate.

[rfirth]

Fantastic video, loads of info I didn't know.. Never knew about John Bruce - always been told that Huskisson was the first to be killed by a train.

[adrazuel]

Awesome. The oldest railway station in Yorkshire is here in selby. The selby to Leeds line

[wolfspiritoutdoors]

Hi there. Its great that you have told the history of the Middleton Railway. Me and my family live only five minutes away from there. My family name is Savery & often wonder if we are descendents of Thomas Savery🤔 ?. & there are two local Schools name after Murray & Blenkinsop. Thank you for the Great video. Take care & keep up the amazing work 👍😁

[keithagn]

Very well done! I so look forward to your videos, and all the info they contain. Thank you! Regards from Canada