2-798-942 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Trent Valley Railway - the Procession at Tamworth, 1845. British Prime Minister Robert Peel dug the first sod of turf, marking the start of construction on the Trent Valley line between Rugby and Stafford. 'The proposed line, which will be fifty-two miles in length, is to run from the Rugby Station of the London and Birmingham Railway to Stone, in Staffordshire; and a glance at the map of the country will show its importance with a view to direct communication between London and the manufacturing districts'. Sir Robert's brother Edmund, said: 'I feel confident that this Railway is calculated to confer upon Tamworth in particular the greatest possible advantage. (Hear.) I believe that there is little doubt that Tamworth will be the central station of England, and I have every reason to expect that the post-office will be placed in this town'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.