Railways Around the Chilterns

From 1838 to 1925 some 45 networked lines were built across this region by 35 individual companies. Each has its own history reflecting elements of rail development. The first were in days when railways were still a new technology, something to be feared. As their success and profitability became clear this turned to enthusiasm – exemplified by the three great ‘Railway Manias’. Some lines built were indeed necessary, but others stemmed from rampant competition or civic pride with settlements clamouring for a station. Remarkably, only one third of all proposals were actually built; potentially worsening what was already a convoluted tangle of lines. The Chilterns has a lengthy history, its railways playing an important role in that local chronology. This profusely illustrated book presents every railway in the area that was part of the national network, some large and nationally important, others small and scarcely remembered.