Museum of Science and Industry

The re-enactment of William Huskisson's horrific death at the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, in 1830, will take place as part of a programme of storytelling at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). MOSI is based on the site of the former Liverpool Road station - the end terminal of the original Liverpool & Manchester Railway.

Huskisson was a Liverpool MP, one of a select group of politicians and aristocracy, including Prime Minister the Duke of Wellington, who were transported on the first rail journey from Liverpool to Manchester on 15 September, 1830. The trains passed through several impressive new bridges and excavations of rock for the railway, while guests waved at excited crowds. At Parkside station guests alighted while the trains took more water on board. Surprisingly for today's train-aware public, they milled around on the track.

Then suddenly the jubilant mood turned sour when Rocket engine appeared from the other direction and Huskisson was unable to get back on his carriage in time. The engine smashed into his leg, causing serious multiple injuries.

Lee Wolstenholme, who will play Mr Huskisson said: "The world was watching the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, with a mixture of fascination and fear of this new form of transport. Huskisson was particularly supportive of the new innovation, and his horrific death turned what should have been a celebration into a terrifying and tragic event."

Huskisson was taken on by train to Eccles, past crowds of people who had gathered for the opening train journey to Manchester, and were oblivious to the horrific incident that had just unfolded. Doctors tried to dress the wound and dull the pain with laudanum and brandy, but after an agonising few hours he died later that evening.

William Huskisson was one of the foremost statesmen of his era, and a powerful advocate for rail travel and the North West in general. He wanted to develop closer links with Europe through commerce and transport, and supported the view that Manchester should be represented in Parliament (which at the time, it wasn't). His pioneering views cost him powerful friends in the government of the time. The Duke of Wellington was against such changes and wary of developing the new railway service.

MOSI is based in the former Liverpool Road station building and associated goods warehouses. The station was only open to passengers until 1844 but continued as a goods warehouse until 1975. MOSI has a permanent gallery which explains the history of the railway, housed in the original station building.

For more information or photos of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway please call Sarah Roe on Tel: 0161 606 0176.

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