29th January 2016

Our next talk: Early Victorian Railway Excursions: the Million Go Forth

We were very pleased to welcome many new faces to the first talk of our new programme. Our History Group offer a varied range of topics, see here for the list, and we’re always keen to see new people.

For our second event Susan Major will be talking about her new railway history book. This takes place at Clements Hall on Friday evening 5th February at 7.30 pm.

Using contemporary newspapers and handbills from the National Railway Museum and the British Library, the book, Early Victorian Railway Excursions: the Million Go Forth, breaks new ground in focusing on the working class passenger. Published by Pen and Sword Books, it’s based on Susan’s research with the University of York/National Railway Museum.

Susan said: ”I’m particularly interested in the way that working class travel in the mid 19th century has been ignored, for lack of evidence about the use of carts for example. Very little has been discovered about how ordinary people used the newly developing railways in Britain at that time, and how these affected their leisure mobility.”

Her new book shows the effects of class and indeed gender on the experiences of excursionists. It features many trips around the Yorkshire area, the terrible conditions in which people travelled, the tragic accidents and the way that railway stations were totally ill‑equipped to deal with large crowds.

All are welcome, the cost is £1 for members and £3 for non-members, refreshments included. There are a small number of free parking spaces near Clements Hall, which is just outside the city walls and near Bishy Road shops. It is also easily accessible by buses stopping in Blossom Street (walk along Moss Street opposite the Reel Cinema).

Contact Clements Hall on 01904 466086 or email enquiries@clementshall.org.uk.