(, New edition)

George Hudson, the eponymous Railway King - started his career with a stroke of luck, inheriting a fortune from a distant relative. He invested successfully in the new railways but from his glory in 1845 he fell into disgrace, admitting corruption, and died a broken man.

George Hudson - the "Railway King" - formed his own Midland Railway, raising #5 million and bribing MP's along the way. But from his glory in 1845 he fell into disgrace, and died a broken man in 1871. This text depicts his story, providing insight into 19th century politics and industrial progress.