I have come across a family history about John Hancock b. 12 Dec. 1773 Cambourne,C, England died 1 May 1853.
In this history it is said that John Hancock was an engineer of one of the earliest steam locomotives in the world. In 1812 ,he was at the throttle of the first train between Plymouth and London.
I have not been able to find any documents that would prove that he was an engineer nor have I been able to find out when the first train ran from Plymouth to London.
Any help would be greatly appreicated.
Hilma Ardito
Stuart, Fla. USA
There were a number of steam engines and minor railways in the South West many years before Plymouth had a rail connection to London, so it is quite possible that JH - whoever he was - was an engineer on one of them. However the 'main line'- the South Devon Railway - did not reach Plymouth until 1848, so 1812 is far too early for him to have driven a train from London.
