Fine British Railways pictorial map the England, Scotland and Wales.
This British Railways pictorial map from the mid-20th century outlines the railroad routes within Britain culminating with the sea route from Dover to Ostend, while also featuring key landmarks and attractions within Great Britain. The map is situated in the context of post-war European travel, when the British Railways network was central to both domestic and international mobility.
The map provides a direct cartographic representation of the ferry route from Ostend to Dover, a service that dates back to 1846 and operated as part of the Regie voor Maritiem Transport until 1997.
Tthe map is framed by a series of illustrations representing landmarks, natural features, and cultural icons. These serve to contextualize the landscape of Great Britain, offering an overview of what travelers might encounter. The central portion of the map includes red lines representing British Railways' various domestic routes, enhancing its utility as a travel guide within the country.
British Railways, in operation from 1948 to 1997, was formed by the consolidation of four major railway companies: Great Western Railway, London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), London North Eastern Railway (LNER), and Southern Railway (SR). As a state-owned entity, it had a significant impact on transportation within Great Britain, aiding in the country's post-war economic recovery and societal development. Therefore, this pictorial map serves as a historical document, capturing the multifaceted aspects of travel and cultural heritage during a specific era in British history.