Examining why railway stations were built where and how they were, in 200 Years of Railway Station Development: An Illustrated History industrial and railway historian Dr Richard Marks describes how from humble beginnings behind the bar in the local pub, to state of the art travel hubs, Britain’s railway stations have become a key part of society, even down to impacting how time is measured.
In Britain the railway station first appeared when the new railway companies began to carry passengers, as well as the freight which they had originally been built for. As Britain’s railway network grew, so did it’s stations. Competing companies arrived in the same town and built magnificent structures to attract passengers to their lines over those of their competitors. Architectural styles were as varied as the companies who commissioned them, although all were built to provide a feeling of permanence and drive to the local communities they served.
The evolution of railway stations, be they magnificent city centre statements, humble branch lines or light railway facilities, is a fascinating and complex subject to which this new volume aims to provide a readable introduction. The impact of railway politics, rail heading and competition is clearly explained, to provide a new perspective on the railway station. Perhaps more than just a travel hub, the railway station was also place of sorrowful separations, joyful reunions, new opportunity, or departure to war, something which is examined throughout the new book.
20 colour and 80 black & white illustrations. 136 pages.