The Rainhill Trials Artefacts Survey

[Anonymous]

The Rainhill Trials – proposed Virtual Museum

 

One of the most significant events in world railway history took place at Rainhill in 1829, with the hosting of trials to determine who could design a locomotive capable of pulling trains on the Liverpool to Manchester line to be completed the following year.  The Rainhill Trials attracted 5 entrants and the rest is history – Stephenson’s “Rocket” won, and in introducing the concept of speed the results in effect revolutionised subsequent passenger travel and industrial development across the globe.

 

Pan – Leisure Consulting is working on behalf of St.Helens Council and the Rainhill Railway and Heritage Society to examine the most appropriate means to fittingly commemorate the world-changing events that took place at Rainhill.  The main intended vehicle for achieving this is via a virtual museum to act as a comprehensive, globally accessible, interactive resource for schoolchildren, students, visitors and enthusiasts alike.

 

We are therefore seeking to identify and get support from individuals and organisations that are in possession of, or aware of the location/ownership of, any items, memorabilia, documents, artefacts etc. that might help to tell the story of the Rainhill Trials.  We are also interested in similar information regarding the Manchester to Liverpool Railway Line and the contribution made by Earlestown and the Vulcan Works to the world’s railways and industry.

 

To this end, we would be very grateful indeed if you could provide any relevant information as highlighted below as soon as possible, and before the 20 September 2006.

 

 

1.          NAME:               

 

 

2.          CONTACT DETAILS

a.          Email:                 

b.          Telephone:       

c.          Fax:                    

 

 

3.          BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ARTEFACT/S (type, date, location, ownership etc.):

NB. For example, these could include the following:

·             Original or replica memorabilia/relics, such as items of equipment, sections of original rail, locomotives and rolling stock, period costumes, commemorative medallions, china/pottery etc.

·             Relevant documentation, such as eyewitness accounts, letters, company documents, engravings, period prints, newspaper articles

·             Modern or present day literature

 

 

 

4.          IF IN YOUR POSSESSION, WOULD YOU BE AGREEABLE TO THE ARTEFACT/S BEING PHOTOGRAPHICALLY DISPLAYED VIA THE ONLINE MUSEUM, AND IF SO UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS ?

 

 

5.          SUGGESTIONS OF FURTHER CONTACTS

 

 

6.          ANY OTHER RELEVANT ADDITIONAL INFO, COMMENT, OR SUGGESTIONS

 

For more information about the project please contact: [e-mail]