A History of the Great Western Railway

A narrative history of the most iconic railway company of the great age of steam. The story of the most iconic railway company of the great age of steam. The initials ‘GWR’ conjure an evocative picture of a Brunswick green locomotive hauling tea-and-cream-coloured coaches through a verdant West Country landscape. But the GWR was not just engines and trains. In this comprehensive history, Colin Maggs, one of the country’s foremost railway historians, tells of other, perhaps less well-known aspects of the company’s history. Its construction and expansion; the activities of its publicity department; its sea, air and road services. It was a caring cradle-to-the-grave employer and at Swindon provided a hospital, school, baths and recreational facilities. These, and other fascinating aspects of the company are all revealed in this accessible book illustrated with over 100 photographs and period posters, many in colour.

The story of the most iconic railway company of the great age of steam. The initials ‘GWR’ conjure an evocative picture of a Brunswick green locomotive hauling tea-and-cream-coloured coaches through a verdant West Country landscape. But the GWR was not just engines and trains. In this comprehensive history, Colin Maggs, one of the country’s foremost railway historians, tells of other, perhaps less well-known aspects of the company’s history. Its construction and expansion; the activities of its publicity department; its sea, air and road services. It was a caring cradle-to-the-grave employer and at Swindon provided a hospital, school, baths and recreational facilities. These, and other fascinating aspects of the company are all revealed in this accessible book illustrated with over 100 photographs and period posters, many in colour.