One of the county's worst train disasters which helped shape the world's railways has been remembered 150 years later. 

On September 10, 1874, two steam trains collided on the single-line track between Brundall and Norwich, close to the Three Tuns Pub in Thorpe St Andrew, now known as The Rushcutters Arms.

Twenty-six people died as a result, with many more injured as they were flung from the wreckage of the trains. 

The event changed the way railways were operated around the worldThe event changed the way railways were operated around the world (Image: Phyllida Scrivens) Among the dead were the drivers of both trains and a husband and wife and their baby son, leaving their three-year-old an orphan.

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Descendants of the deceased gathered at a service in Thorpe St Andrew church last week to commemorate the tragic event with a plaque featuring the names of those who were lost.

The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, led the dedication, saying: "Here at Thorpe there were those who ran to help.

The event was commemorated at Thorpe St Andrew churchThe event was commemorated at Thorpe St Andrew church (Image: Paul Green) "People like Elizabeth Hart who tore her sheets, tablecloths and clothing into bandages for the wounded.

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"The tangled wreckage of any disaster produces its crop of heroes; those who shine as beacons of light in the darkness of terrible events."

The tragedy played a part in improving safety on single-track railways across the globe.

Reverand Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, unveiled the plaqueReverand Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, unveiled the plaque (Image: Paul Green) In direct response to the tragedy, inventor Edward Tyer developed the Tyer Tablet System to ensure two trains could not be on the same section of track.

It was adopted by countries around the world such as Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

The Reverand James Stewart, who joined the Bishop in unveiling the plaque, added: "This tragedy is still very much in the collective identity of the community which is why more than 150 people came to commemorate those who lost their lives and to see the plaque dedicated."

The event still remains in the community's collective memory, 150 years laterThe event still remains in the community's collective memory, 150 years later (Image: Paul Green)