Our gift shop is not just stocked with beautiful British made gifts that celebrate our railway heritage. It is designed to spread the word about the development of our railways from humble beginnings and how our early railways such as the Stockton & Darlington Railway influenced the growth of railways across the world.
So, when you buy an especially designed product from us it comes with a certificate telling the recipient all about its story. Giving and receiving these gifts helps to tell our history.
For example, anything designed to celebrate the Stockton & Darlington Railway, comes with an S&DR certificate of authenticity. On the back you will find information about the history that led to the creation of your gift.
Our stunning designer-made silk scarves, for example, are based on Timothy Hackworth’s plugwheel. Worried that the person you are buying it for doesn’t know what a plugwheel is and how it revolutionised rail travel? Maybe they don’t know who Timothy Hackworth was? Don’t worry. Your certificate explains that. It also points out how the scarf was made and even tells you a little bit about the silk trade in England.
These are gifts for giving, gifts to instill pride in our past and gifts to spread the word about our history.
Not only do all of our bespoke products come with a certificate, but any inspired by the life and works of Timothy Hackworth come with a certificate endorsing the product by Timothy’s Great Great Grandaughter – Jane Hackworth-Young. These gifts are keepers and future heirlooms.
And all of our products are beautifully wrapped ready to hand over. In fact, some of our wrapping is just too good to throw away. Our favourite – the George Stephenson pewter coaster looks particularly special in its black box.
Did you know….?
The Stockton & Darlington Railway which opened in 1825 was part of a wider vision to extend the railway across the UK and began the railway revolution throughout the UK and the world.
If you would like to learn more about the Stockton & Darlington Railway, why not join the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and download their journal The Globe which is stuffed with interesting features and events. Their web site is here.
