The Killingworth Engine, Killingworth

Image: © Geoff Holland Taken: 30 Nov 2020

This work by artist Charles Sansbury, was originally wall-mounted above a road a few hundred metres from this roundabout as part of the 1970s Killingworth Township development. Made of galvanised/painted steel, the work was fully restored and relocated onto this roundabout, as part of the 200th anniversary of George Stephenson's first fully working steam engine, the Blücher, in 2014. This work is not based on any particular locomotive, rather a general response to Stephenson's early engines developed at Killingworth. For information about the artist Charles Sansbury visit https://charlessansbury.com/. This poem, inspired by George Stephenson and the Blücher, first appeared in the 2014 published book, 'North Tyneside Steam': KILLINGWORTH 1814/ GEORGE STEPHENSON Canny lad, Geordie the engine-wright, Northumberland in his bones, head full of bright ideas. Cylinders, boilers, smoke stacks & steam to haul the coal at Killingworth where miners worked the seam. Dust & dirt, sweat & toil in the Colliery workshop off the Great Lime Road. The Blücher, a General's name, hauled thirty tons at marching pace down to the staithes & the bonny Tyne. Here he cut his teeth. The poem was written by Geoff Holland

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