Stephensons Horses: The Victorian Railways
Richard Marks
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £75 plus travel @45p per mile up to 50 miles from Reading. Can also be run online
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 29th May 2025
- Tagged:
- Victorian History | Railway History | History Of Britain | Railways
The nineteenth-century expansion of Britain's railway network was a transformative era for the nation.
British engineers emerged as global trailblazers, and this talk will examine their pioneering efforts. We will delve into the significant contributions of engineers like Hackworth, Stephenson, and Trevithick, and explore their roles as engineering giants. Furthermore, we will investigate how small firms grew into colossal railway enterprises that helped unify Britain during the Victorian era.
The talk will also examine how the new railways changed British society and helped create opportunity. What does the local Fish and Chip shop have to do with the Victorian Railways ? Find out in this talk.
Views: 1100 | Enquiries: 2About Richard Marks
I am a freelance professional historian residing in Berkshire. I specialize in industrial, military, and railway history, as well as the history of science. My current research focuses on industrial and social change during the Victorian era, the progression of Britain's railway and canal systems in the latter half of the 19th century, and the broader history of British industry. I earned my PhD in history from the University of Reading in 2024 and also have experience teaching a range of historical subjects to diverse groups.
My talks are suitable for different audiences and group sizes. I can adjust the length and format to meet your needs. My goal is to inform and entertain, and to leave the audience with a new insight and a desire to learn more.
My previous career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies, has given me a unique perspective as an historian.
Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."
"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Richard Marks
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- Iron Dragons: British Tanks in the First World War
- A Barber and a Surgeon: Medicine in Victorian Times
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- An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure
- Chocks Away: The Royal Flying Corps in the First World War
- So You Think We Do Not Make Anything Anymore ? British Manufacturing in the 21st Century
- The Great Western Railway in Victorian Berkshire
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- They also Served: Women in Britain's Armed Forces during World War Two
- A Germination of an Idea: The Suttons Seeds Company
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- What did Aunt May do in the War? Munitions Workers in World War One for Family Historians
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- The Royal Air Force in World War 2
- Biscuits for Queen Victoria: The Story of the Early Days of Huntley and Palmer
- The Royal Navy in World War I
- The Royal Navy in World War 2
- The Western Front in World War One
- The Home Front in World War I
- More Than France: Why World War I was a World War
- A British Industrial Giant that Never Was: The Story of British Rail Engineering Limited
- Living in The Slums: The Experience of the Victorian Working Class
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- Railway 200: The British Railway Revolution
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- The World's First Steam Tramway: The Story of the Wantage Tramway
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