This engineering rule was given to Timothy Hackworth by Robert Hawthorn, another North Eastern railway pioneer.
Hawthorn established one of Tyneside’s largest engineering firms. This simple wooden tool was used to design steam locomotives and coal staithes.
Hackworth was one of a handful of North eastern engineers and coal viewers who between 1812 and the late 1830’s pioneered the development of the modern railway.
There was often fierce commercial rivalry between members of this group, but this small gift illustrates the friendships that developed between them. Together they were to export railway locomotives and the concept of the railways around the world.
Owned by Timothy Hackworth (1786-1850)
On display at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon
www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion
