Main Themes and Motifs
- Faster transport of produce to market
- Benefits to the general rural economy
Chronology
1820-29
1830-39
1840-49 205; 327; 458; 663
1850-59
1860-69 203; 473;
1870-79 148
1880-89
1890-99
1900-09
1910-19
Historical Background
The railways made it much easier for country folk to get both themselves and their produce into town.
Travelling on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway 1831 (Detail)
Anticipates the benefits the railway will bring despite objections to its building
Describes events at the fair and expects that people will use the railway to travel to the fair.
Looks forward to country dwellers being able to get easily to markets and visit cities. Translation from Welsh.
The worlds gone to the dogs. Includes verse accusing railways and steam power of causing hardship
Country bumpkin has delusions of being a fast liver.
People and farm produce can be moved cheaply and quickly by rail.
Country lass comes up to town and has difficulty coping with railways.
Expects railway construction to destroy farm land.
Railway brings tourists from cities into the Lake District