The Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened on 15 September 1830, carrying invited passengers between two of Britain’s largest commercial and industrial centres. Unlike earlier lines that relied partly on horses or were built mainly to move freight, the new railway was designed to operate regular services using steam locomotives.

The opening was a major public occasion. Large crowds gathered along the route, and the passengers included politicians and other prominent figures. Among them were the Prime Minister, the Duke of Wellington, and William Huskisson, MP for Liverpool.

During a stop at Parkside, Huskisson and several other passengers left their carriages. George Stephenson’s Rocket approached on the adjacent track. Huskisson attempted to get out of its path but was struck and badly injured.

He was placed aboard a train and taken towards Eccles for medical attention. His injuries were severe, and he died later that day.

The accident disrupted an opening intended to demonstrate the speed and practicality of the new railway. The inaugural journey nevertheless continued to Manchester.

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway went into regular operation after the opening. Its first day demonstrated the possibilities of steam railway travel while exposing dangers that passengers, operators and railway companies were only beginning to understand.