First Turf Collection

The Wirral Railway, Cheshire, First Turf cut by Mr Gladstone, 21 October (engraving)
1603669 The Wirral Railway, Cheshire, First Turf cut by Mr Gladstone, 21 October (engraving) by Holland Tringham, Joseph (1861-1908); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Wirral Railway, Cheshire)

The Prince of Wales at Bristol, the New King Edward Dock, Avonmouth (litho)
1629465 The Prince of Wales at Bristol, the New King Edward Dock, Avonmouth (litho) by Davis, Lucien (1860-1941); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Prince of Wales at Bristol)

The Earl of Bandon cutting the First Turf for the Cork and Bandon Railway (engraving)
1101449 The Earl of Bandon cutting the First Turf for the Cork and Bandon Railway (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Lord Derby cutting the First Turf of the St Helens and Wigan Railway, 28 January (engraving)
1595087 Lord Derby cutting the First Turf of the St Helens and Wigan Railway, 28 January (engraving) by Almond, William Douglas (1866-1916); Private Collection; (add.info)

Cork and Kinsale and West Cork Railways (engraving)
1588376 Cork and Kinsale and West Cork Railways (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cork and Kinsale and West Cork Railways)

Wheelbarrow and Spade used at the Ceremony of cutting the First Turf of the Stratford-on-Avon Railway (engraving)
1609762 Wheelbarrow and Spade used at the Ceremony of cutting the First Turf of the Stratford-on-Avon Railway (engraving) by English School

The Prince of Wales at Bristol, the Inauguration of the Works of the New King Edward Dock (litho)
1629466 The Prince of Wales at Bristol, the Inauguration of the Works of the New King Edward Dock (litho) by Prior, Melton (1845-1910) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Hull, Barnsley, and West Riding Railway and Dock (engraving)
1590200 Hull, Barnsley, and West Riding Railway and Dock (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hull, Barnsley, and West Riding Railway and Dock)

Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway (engraving)
1619358 Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway)

Deeside Railway, Cutting of the First Turf (engraving)
1618270 Deeside Railway, Cutting of the First Turf (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Deeside Railway, Cutting of the First Turf)

Prince Arthur cutting the First Turf of the Hythe and Sandgate Railway (engraving)
1613669 Prince Arthur cutting the First Turf of the Hythe and Sandgate Railway (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Royal Family in the West of England (litho)
1629464 The Royal Family in the West of England (litho) by Amato, G.S. (fl.1897-1914) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Family in the West of England)

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In the realm of progress and connectivity, the significance of cutting the first turf cannot be underestimated. It marks a momentous occasion, symbolizing the birth of new possibilities and ventures that will shape communities for generations to come. From Bristol to Ceylon, from Cheshire to West Riding, this tradition has been honored by esteemed figures who have left an indelible mark on history. The Prince of Wales graced Bristol with his presence as he inaugurated the works of the New King Edward Dock in Avonmouth. The lithograph captures this grand event, showcasing a moment when dreams were set into motion. Similarly, Lord Derby wielded his influence as he cut the first turf for the St Helens and Wigan Railway, forever linking these towns through iron tracks. Engravings tell tales of ambition realized; they depict scenes like The Earl of Bandon's decisive act in commencing construction on Cork and Bandon Railway or Prince Arthur's symbolic gesture launching Hythe and Sandgate Railway. These images immortalize moments where visionaries took their spades to soil, paving way for progress. From Stratford-on-Avon Railway to Deeside Railway, each engraving showcases individuals who dared to dream big – men like Mr Gladstone himself who cut Wirral Railway's first turf in Cheshire amidst great anticipation. Their actions ignited hope within communities yearning for better connections. Not limited by borders or oceans, even Ceylon witnessed its own railway inauguration ceremony captured in an engraving - a testament to human ingenuity transcending geographical barriers. These engravings serve as reminders that behind every infrastructure marvel lies countless hours of planning and laborious efforts undertaken by dedicated individuals driven by a common purpose: connecting people far and wide. As we gaze upon these historical snapshots capturing moments frozen in time - wheelbarrows filled with earth ready for transformation - we are reminded that progress is not accidental but rather born out of determination and collective action.