A Guide to Croft, Dinsdale, Middleton, Darlington, Etc. Comprising Analysis of the Mineral Waters, and a Detailed Account of the Stockton and Darlington Railway

Description:

First edition. Rare. The book was printed by J. Wilson of Darlington, a local printer, surviving copies are extremely rare.

This engaging volume opens with a topographical guide to Darlington and its surrounding villages, Croft, Dinsdale, and Middleton, highlighting the reputed medicinal properties of the region’s spring waters.

Of particular historical significance however is the chapter devoted to the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), which had opened in 1825 and is recognised as the world’s first public railway to employ steam locomotives for both freight and passengers. By the time of this book’s publication in 1834, the line had already captured widespread public attention. The account offered here, among the earliest printed descriptions of a functioning railway, details the route, engineering works, etc. and provides a vivid contemporary perspective on this revolutionary form of transport.

Condition

8vo (190x127mm), orig. green cloth, gilt title to front board (faded), minor wear to extremities. Front free endpaper removed; title browned, some scattered foxing to text, heavier to plates. Good.