Stephensongauge

Stephensongauge refers to a historical railway track gauge adopted by Robert Stephenson and Company in the early days of steam locomotion. It was the standard gauge used for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830. This gauge measured 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 mm) between the inner edges of the rails. The adoption of this particular gauge was influential and subsequently became known as standard gauge, adopted by a vast majority of railways worldwide.

The origins of the 4 feet 8.5 inches measurement are often attributed to the width of horse-drawn carts used in coal mines. Stephenson, having experience with these mine railways, likely extrapolated the width from them to his locomotive designs. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was a groundbreaking project, and its success helped solidify the Stephensongauge as the de facto standard for railway construction. This standardization facilitated interoperability between different railway lines, allowing for seamless transfer of goods and passengers. While other gauges existed and still exist, Stephensongauge, or standard gauge, remains the most prevalent measurement for railway tracks globally.