This comprehensive volume is a new history of the railway network that has grown up to serve the great industrial city of Manchester. It begins with the earliest railways built to serve the growing industry in and around the city, including both narrow- and standard-gauge railways.
It then turns to the development of the main line railway network, looking at every 19th century railway company that served the city and describing the evolution that gave rise to today’s modern railway network. Chapters examine each of the following:
- The Railways that comprised the London & North Western Railway
- The Development of the LNWR
- The Railways that were jointly owned by the LNWR
- The Railways that comprised the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway
- The Development of the L&YR
- The Railways that comprised the Great Central Railway
- The Railways that comprised the Midland Railway
- The Railways that comprised the Cheshire Lines Committee
- The Great Northern Railway
- The 1923–1947 Grouping Era
- The Creation and Development of British Railways (1948–1997)
- The Closures of the BR Era
- The Privatisation Era
- Metrolink
The Railways of Manchester examines the innovation and upheaval of the Victorian era, describing how different railway companies fought to gain a foothold in the city. It looks at the Grouping years, when the LMS and LNER both retained a presence in the city, and goes on to describe post-war austerity and the subsequent closures, many of which proved to be sadly misguided.
Finally, the book turns to the railway of the 21st century, with its privatised operators, modern urban trams and heritage railways.
As well as an historical account, The Railways of Manchester also looks in depth at some of the impressive infrastructure and the train services that have operated to, from and through the city over a period of nearly 200 years. Further chapters include:
- The Termini
- The Through Stations
- The Depots
- The Builders
- Steam Trains
- Electric Trains
- Diesel Trains
- Accidents
- The Present Situation
- Proposed and Failed Schemes
- Preservation and Heritage Sites
The Railways of Manchester is a comprehensive account of two centuries of rail transport, providing a fascinating insight into how the railways have helped to shape this great city.
The information is brought to life by more than 350 photographs, diagrams, maps and other illustrations, including many historically important images and some stunning aerial views. Many of the subjects illustrated have long since disappeared as the photographs depict scenes from as early as the 1850s.
272 pages. Hardback. Cover Price £40.00.
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