Visit the final resting place of the 'Father of Railways'
Holy Trinity Church holds a unique place in world railway history as it is the final resting place of George Stephenson, the pioneering engineer often known as the Father of Railways.
Born in 1781 near Newcastle, Stephenson transformed global transport with his groundbreaking designs for locomotives and railways. His achievements culminated on 27 September 1825, when his steam engine Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton — the world’s first public railway to carry passengers. The journey marked the dawn of the modern railway age.
Stephenson later settled in Chesterfield, founding the Clay Cross Company and leaving a legacy that helped shape both the town and Britain’s industrial future. When he died in 1848, he was buried at Holy Trinity Church, a place that continues to attract visitors, engineers, historians and rail enthusiasts from across the world.
Celebrating 200 Years of Railway History
In 2025, Holy Trinity Church received £240,600 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch a major project marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and celebrating Stephenson’s lasting impact on Chesterfield and beyond.
The initiative is made possible thanks to National Lottery players and generous support from EMR, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and the church’s own contribution.
The project will
transform Holy Trinity’s community rooms into a welcoming visitor facility
create new interpretation displays telling the story of George Stephenson and Chesterfield’s industrial heritage
host special events and exhibitions celebrating 200 years of railway history
deliver school and family activities that bring engineering and history to life
offer volunteering and learning opportunities to help people develop heritage and research skills
explore how sustainable transport and modern railway innovation continue Stephenson’s legacy today
A Lasting Legacy for Chesterfield
The project will shine a light on the town’s wider industrial history, from the growth of the Clay Cross Company to the Victorian expansion of Chesterfield and the changing world of coal mining and engineering.
It will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, reflecting on how industry has shaped the community across generations.
Reverend Jilly Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said:
“We are delighted to have received this generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players and our funding partners, we can now ensure that George Stephenson’s story and Chesterfield’s rich railway heritage are celebrated and shared with future generations.”
Visit Us
Visitors are warmly welcomed to Holy Trinity Church, Newbold Road, Chesterfield, to explore Stephenson’s memorial and discover the story of how one man’s vision changed the world forever.
Find out more about the church’s history and restoration, upcoming George Stephenson events and exhibitions, and opportunities to volunteer or get involved.
Where are we?
Click the map to find Holy Trinity Church, 31 Newbold Road, Chesterfield, S41 7LA