For generations of railway enthusiasts and more lately for social
historians, the life and times of the former Great Central Railway and
in particular its extension towards London in the 1890s and closure
seventy years later, have generated considerable interest and
controversy.
Although many books have been written about the Railway, the majority in
recent times have concentrated upon providing a photographic record and
a nostalgic look in retrospect to what was generally perceived as
happier times for the route.
None of the books have presented the outcome from thorough research into
the business aspects of the Railway and its successive private (LNER)
and public (BR) ownerships through war and peace, and times of
industrial, social and political change, that influenced and shaped the
demand for a railway service.
While retaining a strong railway theme throughout, the book identifies
the role played by successive governments, the electricity and coal
industries and the effect of social change that, together resulted in a
case for closure.
The content of the book replaces much supposition with fact and places
on record what really happened.
The final part of the book acknowledges the fine work over half a
century of volunteers dedicated to saving a section of the line in
Leicestershire.
