George Stephenson

George Stephenson is one of the world’s most famous engineers. His pioneering work on steam-powered locomotion would supercharge the industrial revolution in the United Kingdom and help bring about the heyday of the British Empire. Through his talent and passion for engineering, Stephenson was able to transform the landscape around him, ushering in an era when travel across the country could be achieved in hours instead of days or even weeks. He is the epitome of the self-made man, rising from the lowest of origins to dominate the society in which he lived. Duration - 1h 13m. Author - Hourly History. Narrator - William Irvine. Published Date - Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Copyright - © 2017 Hourly History ©.