British Transport Police- A Definitive History of the Early Years and Subsequent Development

This book traces the history of the British Transport Police, the National Police Force responsible for policing the railways of Great Britain. The roots of the Force go back almost 200 years, starting with the development of the railways during the 19th Century. Hundreds of railway companies were founded and although mergers and amalgamations took place, by the end of the century, well over 100 railway companies were operating. The first railway policemen were in 1826. During the 20th Century, railway companies continued to merge before being nationalised in 1948. The following year, the British Transport Commission (BTC) was created to oversee the network docks, shipping, inland waterways, road transport and road haulage. Also in 1949, the British Transport Commission Police (BTC Police) was created to take over the policing of these newly nationalised institutions. The BTC Police was renamed the British Transport Police in 1963 and has continued to operate ever since.