A Journey Through Time Premieres Tuesday 15 July at 7pm
As the UK marks 200 years since the dawn of modern rail travel, BBC One and iPlayer are set to air a special Our Lives documentary, The World’s Oldest Railway, on Tuesday 15 July at 7pm. Made by award-winning production company, Chalk Productions, this heartfelt episode shines a spotlight on Tanfield Railway in the North East of England—an extraordinary line with a history spanning over 300 years.
Tanfield: Where It All Began
Long before the iconic Stockton-to-Darlington journey of 1825, Tanfield Railway was already moving coal from local collieries to the River Tyne. Built a full century earlier, Tanfield is now recognised as the oldest railway in the world. Its pioneering design and robust engineering laid the groundwork for Britain’s industrial expansion and the global railway revolution that followed.
A Community’s Labour of Love
Thanks to generations of dedicated volunteers, Tanfield Railway has evolved into a vibrant, living museum of Britain’s rail heritage. From retired engineers to enthusiastic young apprentices, these individuals have committed themselves to restoring and maintaining the railway’s historical features. Their work transforms forgotten fragments of the past into an engaging and educational experience for today’s visitors.
Preparing for a Milestone Celebration
As part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, Tanfield’s railway community is orchestrating its most ambitious event yet. Volunteers are racing against time to complete a series of restoration projects, including the majestic Twizell, an 1891 locomotive built by Robert Stephenson & Co., and a cherished carriage from The Railway Children film.
The documentary introduces us to volunteers old and new: Sophie, Dave and Tom, who represent the future of railway preservation, and Peter and Bob, who first revived the railway back in the 1970s.
Steam Engines, Heritage Skills and Historic Challenges
With six steam engines and 500 visitors expected, the upcoming celebration is both a logistical challenge and a tribute to teamwork. Among the stars is Furness 20, the oldest working locomotive in the UK, making a special appearance for the occasion.
As the countdown begins, viewers are invited to follow the final stages of preparation, capturing moments of camaraderie, learning and unwavering passion for preserving history.
A Story of Enduring Spirit
The World’s Oldest Railway is more than a documentary about trains; it’s a celebration of community spirit, resilience, and the magic of steam. It reminds us how the past can inspire the present—and how a railway once thought lost to time continues to inspire and unite generations.
