5 Facts You Didn't Know About the Railway
The railway era began when steam trains on iron tracks revolutionised transport, connecting towns and transforming society.
Five Facts, 1National Railway Museum
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The railway era transformed society with steam power and iron tracks, but its early history holds many bizarre, lesser-known facts.
Five Facts, 2National Railway Museum
1. Railways were vital to the birth of football in Britain
Many modern day clubs have their roots in railway teams such as Manchester United (who started at the Lancashire and Yorkshire's Newton Heath depot). Cheap tickets and mass transport helped turned the game into a popular national sport.
Five Facts, 3National Railway Museum
2. Trains brought ice cream to the masses
Perishable goods like dairy became transportable thanks to rail. Suddenly, ice cream wasn’t just for the elite, it was on every summer menu.
Five Facts, 4National Railway Museum
3. Train toilets used to empty straight onto the tracks
Until surprisingly recently, a pull of the chain sent your waste directly onto the railway. Hence the signs: “Do not use while in station.”
Five Facts, 5National Railway Museum
4. The world's longest station name was a marketing ploy
The longest station name in the world is Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (58 letters) in Wales. It was deliberately made longer in the 1880s to attract tourists to the station.
Five Facts, 6National Railway Museum
5. The 30 mph myth
When steam trains launched in the 1830s, some doctors warned that speeds over 30 mph could crush your lungs. Spoiler: it didn’t.
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