A large, folding map of England and Wales showing the full extent of the nation's railway network at the end of the 19th century and which companies owned each line. Though undated, the precision with which the railways have been recorded allows us to say with confidence that this edition was printed in 1895 or 1896. The Fishguard & Rosslare Railway in Pembrokeshire only extends as far as Letterston station which opened in 1895, but the line from Tipton to East Budleigh in Devon (opened in 1897) is still shown as under construction.

Railway ownership is indicated through a confusing system of colours and symbols. On later editions of this map, the companies would also be numbered, making it easier to discern which company owned which lines. More than 50 different railway companies are listed in the index, a sign of just how disjointed Britain's railways were prior to nationalisation.

Five inset maps provide more detail for particularly complicated areas, such as Liverpool to Manchester, Leeds & Bradford, Newcastle, and London. The central London inset in the lower-right corner is particularly interesting as it shows only a very rudimentary Underground network - the Central London Railway is shown as under construction, as is the Northern Line south of Stockwell. 

A fascinating record for anyone interested in railways or transport history.

Printed colour. [GB2114]