2-798-944 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sir Robert Peel raising the first turf of the Trent Valley Railway, 1845. British Prime Minister Robert Peel digs the first sod of turf, marking the start of construction on the Trent Valley line between Rugby and Stafford. '...when Sir Robert Peel alighted he was, of course, surrounded by the throng, who occasionally even pressed upon him personally...Sir Robert, then taking the spade, proceeded to dig some of the turf, and throw it into the barrow; and, after throwing about four spadefuls into the barrow, proceeded, amidst much cheering, to wheel it along a line of planks placed upon the grass'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.