 The opening ceremony of the L&MR, on 15 September 1830, was a considerable event, drawing luminaries from the government and industry, including the Prime Minister, the Duke of Wellington.The day started with a procession of eight trains setting out from Liverpool for Manchester.The parade was led by "Northumbrian" driven by George Stephenson, and included "Phoenix" driven by his son Robert, "North Star" driven by his brother Robert Sr. and "Rocket" driven by assistant engineer Joseph Locke.