‘Ballard’ is a name very familiar to those interested in the history of the Malvern area and also to railway enthusiasts, engineers and horticulturalists far and wide. Such fame may largely be traced to the life and work of Stephen Ballard who lived from 1804 until 1890: a long life which spanned unprecedented technological and social change in Britain and throughout the world.

The aim of this book is to serve as a brief introduction to the life and work of Stephen Ballard, a talented, versatile and remarkable man. 

Researched from the diaries, notes and private papers of Stephen Ballard and his family, this book would not have been possible without the help of the Ballard family.