The Day That Changed the World
Railway enthusiast Michael Portillo leads a landmark journey through 200 years of rail, marking the moment Britain’s modern railway was born.
Railway enthusiast Michael Portillo follows the route of the pioneering Stockton and Darlington Railway in north east England - the world’s first public railway to carry fee-paying passengers using steam locomotives. He learns how the Stockton and Darlington proved that railways could work - sparking a transport revolution across Britain and beyond.
He visits key locations in the story of this pioneering railway, including the town of Shildon, from where the train hauled by Locomotion No.1 set off in 1825; Bishop Auckland, where he joins thousands at a spectacular outdoor show to launch the 200th anniversary and drives a replica of the original train; and the Tyne and Wear Metro, where he discovers a new fleet transforming travel in north east England.
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Michael Portillo |
| Director | Anthony Holland |
| Executive Producer | John Comerford |
| Executive Producer | Alison Kreps |
| Production Company | Fremantle |
Broadcasts
- Tue 16 Sep 2025 20:00
- Sat 20 Sep 2025 18:30ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Two except Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD
- Fri 3 Oct 2025 08:00
Featured in...
Railways: A Transport Revolution
All aboard! Take your seat as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
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A rich history of human-built environments and architectural marvels.