With a network covering much of the West Country, Wales and the West Midlands, and a history and tradition stretching back more than a century, the Great Western has been seen by many railway historians and enthusiasts as the most famous railway in the world. The history of the GWR was marked by an independence and swagger matched by few other railways, its foundations laid by the flamboyant engineer I. K. Brunel who designed famous structures like Paddington Station and Saltash Bridge, which still survive today. This book summarizes Great Western Railway's place in British history, one...

The strategic importance of railways was recognized almost from the beginning of their development, but it was not until the end of the nineteenth century that their real value was appreciated by the military. In both the First and Second World Wars, railways were crucial in the transportation of men, munitions and coal, whilst on the Continent British forces operated railways to support the war effort. The heroic story of railways at war was confirmed in the months before and after the 'D' Day landings in 1944 when literally thousands of trains were run to support the Allied invasion,...

Railway stations were a prominent feature of most towns and villages in Britain until post-war modernisation and closures swept many away. The largest and most imposing stations were in large towns and cities. Among the most impressive were the London termini such as King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Waterloo. They handled and (still handle) millions of long distance and commuter travellers every year. Elsewhere, larger cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow often had more than one important station. Behind their imposing facades, they provided all manner of facilities...