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19th Century Transport

Gurney's Steam Carriage
Hansom Cab
Henry Bell's 'Comet'
HMS 'Victory'
Locomotive Pen-y-Darran
Royal Mail Coach
Farm Wagons
The 'Great Eastern'
The 'Rocket' Locomotive

Introduction. The factories of the Industrial Revolution were powered by steam and so were the railways that allowed mass produced goods to be moved around the country quickly and cheaply. Steam also powered many of the ships that carried goods to and from the countries of Britain's vast empire.

In 1804, Richard Trevithick's tiny locomotive, the 'Pen-Y-Darran', hauled 10 tonnes of iron ore over several miles and showed that railway travel was possible. By 1845, 2,441 miles of railway were open and 30 million passengers a year were being carried.

In 1812, Henry Bell built Europe's first steam passenger ferry. By the end of Victoria's reign, Britain was the ship building capital of the world.

Steam powered vehicles were used in farming, and some passenger services were tried in cities, but for longer distances they were too heavy for the poor country roads of the time.

The horse drawn carriage and wagon continued to be used for transporting goods and people throughout the 19th century.


Last Update:
14 March 2006
© Art & Museum Service
E. Sussex County Council