Victoria's Railway King: Sir Edward Watkin, One of the Victorian Era’s Greatest Entrepreneurs and Visionaries...

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Geoff Scargill

Victoria's Railway King

Sir Edward Watkin, One of the Victorian Era’s Greatest Entrepreneurs and Visionaries

Geoff Scargill

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English

Frontline Books
03 July 2025

Biography: science, technology & engineering; Trains & railways: general interest

Edward Watkin was a prominent figure in 19th-century Britain, renowned for his extensive railway projects and his influence on both social and economic initiatives. As chairman of nine British railway companies, Watkin also developed railways in Canada, the USA, Greece, India, and the Belgian Congo. His leadership roles included senior positions with major British railways like the London and North Western Railway and the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway, and he was president of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada. One of his most ambitious projects was the creation of the Great Central Main Line, a high-speed rail link from Manchester to London, part of his broader vision to connect Manchester to Paris and India via a Channel tunnel. He initiated work on the tunnel in 1880, but it was abandoned due to security concerns. Watkin also developed Wembley Park into a popular destination for Londoners, which later became home to Wembley Stadium. Additionally, he proposed a 'Great Tower in London' to surpass the Eiffel Tower, though it was never completed. Through his personal diaries, the author explores Watkin's lesser-known private life, offering a deeper understanding of this remarkable and visionary individual.

AUTHOR: Geoff Scargill was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Manchester University, where he graduated with honours in German. Since 1961, he has lived with his wife, Pam, in Stockport, and has one son, Peter. Geoff is a retired magistrate. He has been active for several years in raising funds for cancer research through giving talks on a variety of subjects, though the most in demand is his presentation on Edward Watkin. It is called The Last Laugh of the Railway King, which is the title of one of the chapters of this book.

32 b/w illustrations

By: Geoff Scargill
Imprint: Frontline Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781526798596
ISBN 10: 152679859X
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 03 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

GEOFF SCARGILL was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Manchester University, where he graduated with honours in German. Since 1961, he has lived with his wife, Pam, in Stockport, and has one son, Peter. Geoff is a retired magistrate. He has been active for several years in raising funds for cancer research through giving talks on a variety of subjects, though the most in demand is his presentation on Edward Watkin. It is called The Last Laugh of the Railway King, which is the title of one of the chapters of this book.