One of Britain’s most famous engineers and inventors, George Stephenson, is to be honoured with a green plaque from Leicestershire County Council.
The plaque, at the Ravenstone home he lived in from 1832 – 1838, will be unveiled by County Councillor Peter Lewis on behalf of the Council Leader, at 2pm on Tuesday 8 December.
Stephenson lived at Alton Grange, Ravenstone while he consulted on, and later invested in, the Leicester and Swannington Railway, which carried coal from the western coal fields at Snibston into the city. It is estimated that, thanks to the improved supply of coal, Leicester saved around £40,000 per year (more than approximately £3.4 million at today’s prices).
Stephenson went on to work on most of the major railways across the length and breadth of the country and was appointed the first ever president of the National Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which he helped to found in 1847.
George Stephenson played a major role in establishing the industrial and innovative heritage of our county, including introducing new mining methods and safety measures that made Snibston one of the most efficient and successful collieries of its time. It is fitting that we honour his achievements through our Green Plaque Awards scheme.
As one of Britain’s most influential engineers Stephenson’s contribution to Leicestershire undoubtedly brought economic and social prosperity to the region decades before the majority of the UK. I am delighted his work and time in Leicestershire has been recognised by this prestigious award.
Person:Councillor Peter Lewis
Stephenson was nominated for the green plaque by Chris Pratt who now lives at Alton Grange. On hearing of his successful nomination, he said: “As one of Britain’s most influential engineers Stephenson’s contribution to Leicestershire undoubtedly brought economic and social prosperity to the region decades before the majority of the UK. I am delighted his work and time in Leicestershire has been recognised by this prestigious Award.”
Also attending will be John Wood, past President of the Institution and current Chairman of its Heritage Committee, as well as representatives from the Stephenson Locomotive Society and Leicestershire Industrial Heritage Society.
Nominations are now open for the next round of green plaque awards. You can propose war heroes, local heroes and famous people, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, places with cultural or heritage connections, as well as buildings of historic or architectural importance. Information on the scheme and how to submit a proposal can be found on our green plaque page.