The works of Robert Stephenson & Co was established in 1823 and it was the intention of the Partners, Edward Pease of Darlington, Michael Longridge of Bedlington, plus George and Robert Stephenson of Killingworth, to construct locomotives for the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Although only 19, Robert Stephenson was appointed as the company's Managing Partner & following the custom of the time the company was named after the Managing Partner. Experience in production engineering and the establishment and administration of a manufacturing firm was provided by Michael Longridge who was the manager of the thriving Bedlington Iron Works. Before 1823 it had been the general practice for engines to be constructed by colliery engine wrights and blacksmiths on their premises, so Stephenson's Forth Banks works was the first purpose built engine building works in the world. By 1840 it is said that a quarter of all the engines running on British and foreign railways had been built by Robert Stephenson & Co. However it wasn't only locomotives that were constructed by the Company; colliery engines and winding equipment, marine engines, bridges and even a steam operated chain train ferry for crossing the River Nile in Egypt, were built there over the years in addition to the repair and overhaul of railway engines, steam rollers and traction engines. Marine engines were never a high priority for the company, locomotives were always the driving force. Eventually the constraints of the Forth Banks site meant that the locomotive side of the business was transferred to a new site in Darlington and the Forth Banks works closed in 1904.

Above: The location of the engine works between the station and the Tyne. Photo is copyright of Tyne & Wear Museums

Above: The South Street entrance to the engine works in 1902. Photo is courtesy of Denis Maccann

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