Last Trains: Dr Beeching and the Death of Rural England

During the 1950s, England lost confidence in its rulers and believed it needed to modernize. Dr. Beeching's diagnosis led to the closure of branch-line Britain, symbolizing the country's problems. Charles Loft's book explores the political failures that bankrupted the railways and the growing alienation of bureaucrats from the public. It is a fascinating study of a nation struggling to embrace modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

During the 1950s, England experienced a significant loss of confidence in its rulers and a strong belief that modernization was necessary. The failing steam-powered local railways, operated by Colonel Blimp, became symbolic of the country's shortcomings, leading many to believe that the future lay in motorways and high-speed express trains. However, the arrival of Dr. Beeching brought a new diagnosis, and his proposed railway closures resulted in the disappearance of branch-line Britain forever. The debate surrounding the Beeching cuts has continued to rage ever since, with Charles Loft's meticulously researched examination shedding light on the political failures that led to the railways' bankruptcy and the growing distance between bureaucrats and the public they were meant to serve. This captivating study provides a fascinating insight into a nation struggling to embrace modernity and its consequences.

During the 1950s, England experienced a significant loss of confidence in its rulers and a strong belief that modernization was necessary. The failing steam-powered local railways, operated by Colonel Blimp, became symbolic of the country's shortcomings, leading many to believe that the future lay in motorways and high-speed express trains. However, the arrival of Dr. Beeching brought a new diagnosis, and his proposed railway closures resulted in the disappearance of branch-line Britain forever. The debate surrounding the Beeching cuts has continued to rage ever since, with Charles Loft's meticulously researched examination shedding light on the political failures that led to the railways' bankruptcy and the growing distance between bureaucrats and the public they were meant to serve. This captivating study provides a fascinating insight into a nation struggling to embrace modernity and its consequences.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785908064