The Robert Stephenson Trust
Stephenson's Works
20 South Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PE, United Kingdom
The Robert Stephenson Trust Ltd
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been a huge spread of industrial buildings in an area called Forth Banks in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The buildings had been occupied until 1904 by 'Robert Stephenson & Co.' and thereafter in part by George & Jobling, motor factors, who imported Ford chassis and built bespoke bodies to order. During World War 1 George & Jobling built aircraft here. After the war they continued in the motor trade until the 1970s.
By 2003 the Trust's first aim had been completed successfully. The building at 20 South Street, since named 'Stephenson's Works', was repaired and restored and now functions as the Trust's base. Our priority then became the provision of information about Robert Stephenson's life, his companies and achievements. As one of the very few people from north-east England to be buried in Westminster Abbey, it is only right that he should be as well known today as he was in his lifetime.
The publication of an
Information Pack for young people, made possible with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is part of this endeavour. The Information pack is being made available to schools, initially in the north-east. Another publication, Vicky Haworth's 'The Making of a Prodigy', was published in 2005 and other publications will follow as resources allow.The Trust relies mainly on volunteers, and will respond to requests for advice as best it can. Enquiries or requests for further information should be made to the Trust by e-mail or letter.