ABSTRACT

This book, fist published in 1979, traces the growth of Britain’s inland transportation systems, chiefly for goods traffic, by road, canal and railway, from the early seventeenth century to the eve of nationalisation in 1947. The book focuses on the history of Pickfords, long a prominent member of the transport industry, and provides new insights into the many ways that the organisation and supply of these inland services were affected by successive changes in transport modes and technology.

chapter 1|14 pages

The Background: The Road Carrying Trade

chapter 2|18 pages

The Business Established

chapter 3|24 pages

Back from the Brink, 1800-47

chapter 4|20 pages

Pickfords and Road Transport, 1750-1850

chapter 5|29 pages

Pickfords Canal Carrier, 1785-1850

chapter 6|17 pages

Railways, 1825-47: Hopes Raised and Dashed

chapter 7|23 pages

The Railway Agent, 1847-1900

chapter 8|20 pages

Rail, Road and Reconstruction, 1900-33

chapter 9|15 pages

From Railway Ownership to Nationalisation

chapter 10|6 pages

Conclusion