THE oldest complete section of wooden railway in the world has gone on display to the public for the first time since it was discovered.

The rare 18th century waggonway, which was used by horse-drawn carts to transport coal, was unearthed in 2013 and has been undergoing preservation treatment since.

The fascinating timbers are now being exhibited at the Stephenson Railway Museum, in Wallsend, for the first time as part of the national Festival of Archeology - which is celebrated between 15-30 of July.

The railway, known as the Willington Waggonway, was discovered underneath the former Neptune Shipyard in Walker, Newcastle during an archaeological dig

not far from the Segedunum Roman Fort.

Archaeologists quickly realised that the discovery was of international significance as it was the most complete and best-preserved section of early wooden railway to have been found anywhere in the world.

The rail lines, believed to be constructed in 1785, were built to what became the international ‘standard’ gauge - firmly linking the old waggonway to the development of modern railways.

Following the discovery of the railway, the timbers were sent to York Archaeological Trust for conservation treatment.

The majority of timbers have now completed the preservation process and have been taken to the Regional Museum Store at Beamish where they will be analysed and further research undertaken over the next few months.

The Northern Echo: After almost three years of preservation work, the Willington Waggonway - a late 18th century waggonway believed to be the most complete and best-preserved early wooden railway found anywhere in the world, whose rails would have carried horse-drawn coal c

The rare 18th century waggonway, which was used by horse-drawn carts to transport coal, was unearthed in 2013 and has been undergoing preservation treatment since

Ian Panter, Head of Conservation, York Archaeological Trust said: “The conservation of the waggonway timbers has been a challenge, not because the wood was very decayed, but the opposite.

“Many of the timbers were very well preserved but with with pockets of more decay.

“This type of wood always represents a challenge but one which we relished getting to grips with.

“It is good to see something dating to the early stages of the industrial revolution being conserved, and this makes a refreshing change from the very ancient timbers that we’re usually involved with.

“Having personally been involved with the Lambton trackway, of similar date which was reburied, it is a step forward that something as important as the waggonway is being preserved for future generations.”

Dominique Bell, Project Co-ordinator of the Willington Waggonway Research Programme, added: “It is wonderful to have the remains of the Willington Waggonway back in the North East and preserved for future generations.

“The Willington Waggonway is an incredibly important and rare find which is enhancing our understanding of the North East’s industrial heritage and the development of the modern railways we use today all over the world.

“I’m very much looking forward to talking to visitors at Stephenson Railway Museum about the project.”