The Bully and the Brakesman
A young George Stephenson takes responsibility for the team spirit at Black Callerton mine.
1801
King George III 1760-1820
A young George Stephenson takes responsibility for the team spirit at Black Callerton mine.
1801
King George III 1760-1820
In 1801, the job of brakesman at Black Callerton pit was given to a young George Stephenson. It was a very responsible job, as it involved lowering and raising miners in the deep and dangerous mineshaft, but Stephenson felt he had a wider duty to the whole mine.
ON one occasion, Stephenson’s handling of the winding mechanism displeased miner Ned Nelson, who on reaching the top berated him offensively.
This Nelson was a notorious bully, used to getting his own way, so he was taken aback when instead of cowering, Stephenson defended himself honestly.
The argument ended with Nelson demanding a pitched-battle in the Dolly Pit field some days hence, and taking immediate sick-leave to prepare himself.
Stephenson, meanwhile, got on with his daily round, constantly interrupted by awe-struck miners asking him if he really meant to fight Nelson and pledging their support (so long as Nelson was not in earshot).
Unlike his adversary, Stephenson was not a veteran brawler; it was in fact his first and last fight. His only desire was to deal with the pit’s resident bully for the pit’s sake.
He stripped like a professional boxer, and put his opponent down with such cool efficiency that he won Nelson’s respect and friendship ever after.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
What was the fight between Stephenson and Nelson about?
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Stephenson stood up to Nelson. Nelson had not experienced this before.