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100 Firsts Exhibition
For the past 100 years, innovation has been at the heart of everything we do. We’ve contributed to hundreds of industry firsts, and helped to create thousands more for our customers.
From introducing the first ever cinema carriage in 1924, to breaking speed records with globally renowned locomotives such as Mallard, the East Coast Main Line has regularly made history.
2023 was LNER’s 100th anniversary.
To mark the special occasion, we’ve created an exhibition that tells one hundred stories of pioneering innovation and cherished moments on the iconic line. Here you’ll discover remarkable and heart-warming tales from customers, colleagues and our history over the past century.
Read or listen to 10 of their stories below.
Rupert’s first trip to a West End show
Rupert Turner, only five years old, swapped the quaint city of Durham for the sparkling lights of London, embarking on a life-changing adventure onboard the LNER train, accompanied by his parents.
A kitten’s first train journey to her forever home
Majelle Legros embarked on a paw-fect day, forever holding a special place in her heart. From Edinburgh, she boarded an LNER train and journeyed to Berwick-upon-Tweed to fulfil a long-awaited dream – taking home her very first pet, an adorable kitten named Rini.
A very special trip to feed the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo
Six-year-old Willow helped her Mum, Emmy Louise Hughes mark her 40th birthday in style, on a trip to Edinburgh Zoo to feed the two iconic pandas – Yang Guang and Tian Tian.
Frank Paterson’s very first job
In 1946, right after leaving school, Frank Paterson embarked on a remarkable 40-year journey on the East Coast Main Line, forging an incredible career where he found himself at the heart of countless unforgettable moments, including 'firsts' that revolutionised rail travel.
From Bollywood screens to London’s streets
Ramya’s childhood in India was filled with Bollywood movies that showcased the captivating beauty of London's Tower Bridge. This iconic landmark became her lifelong dream to visit. When the opportunity arose to pursue her Master's degree in the UK, Ramya saw it as her chance to turn her dreams into reality.
The first time meeting the Queen
Nick Dudley’s railway journey began aged 16, as a London King’s Cross Divisional Apprentice based at Finsbury Park diesel depot (one of the new style dual apprenticeships). He spent the first year in college, learning basic mechanical and electrical principles, followed by three more years of intensive training, mastering the inner-workings of diesel and electrical traction units.
Celebrating true love in the driver’s seat
Trudi and her husband, David, have been together for 15 years. Both train drivers for LNER, they each have the job of their dreams, cruising up and down the East Coast with their ‘office’ view changing every day.
Sara Davies MBE takes a memorable trip to Buckingham Palace
Entrepreneur and television personality Sara Davies was invited to London for a very special reason. She was going to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE for her services to the economy, as part of the New Year’s Honours List 2016.
Shaun Wallace’s early quizzing days
A practising barrister and one of Britain’s best known television quiz show personalities, Shaun Wallace has led a pretty interesting life.
Setting a speed world record
On 3 July 1938, Joe Duddington made history, setting the world speed record for a steam locomotive at 126 mph, driving LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard. Though Matthew, Joe's great-grandson, never met him, he’s spent a vast amount of time researching his great-grandfather and couldn’t be more proud of his achievements.
Read all 100 Firsts
First in history
Over the past century LNER and the East Coast Main Line have played a starring role in an incredible number of historical firsts. Read about some of them here.
Read the stories
First feats
LNER has been driving forward innovation and pioneering firsts since 1923. Hear about some of these achievements.
Read the stories
First loves
From first setting eyes on a future partner to travelling the East Coast Main Line during the honeymoon period, LNER has helped many lovers with those first sparks.
Read the stories
First adventures
All the way from London King’s Cross to the Scottish Highlands, the East Coast Main Line has been at the start of many first adventures.
Read the stories
First big life moments
Making memories which last a lifetime and being there in the moments which matter. Read about some of the most memorable experiences made possible on the East Coast Main Line.
Read the stories
First jobs keeping a career on track
A first job after leaving school or getting a dream offer while onboard, LNER has helped with thousands of careers over the past century. You can find out about some of them below.
Read the stories
First in history
Over the past century LNER and the East Coast Main Line have played a starring role in an incredible number of historical firsts. Read about some of them here.
Read the storiesFirst feats
LNER has been driving forward innovation and pioneering firsts since 1923. Hear about some of these achievements.
Read the storiesFirst loves
From first setting eyes on a future partner to travelling the East Coast Main Line during the honeymoon period, LNER has helped many lovers with those first sparks.
Read the storiesFirst adventures
All the way from London King’s Cross to the Scottish Highlands, the East Coast Main Line has been at the start of many first adventures.
Read the storiesFirst big life moments
Making memories which last a lifetime and being there in the moments which matter. Read about some of the most memorable experiences made possible on the East Coast Main Line.
Read the storiesFirst jobs keeping a career on track
A first job after leaving school or getting a dream offer while onboard, LNER has helped with thousands of careers over the past century. You can find out about some of them below.
Read the stories
