Great Central Railway facts for kids

The Great Central Railway (GCR) was an important railway company in England. It was formed in 1897 when another railway, the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, changed its name. The GCR helped connect different parts of England, especially between the north and London.

Building a New Route to London

In 1899, the Great Central Railway opened a brand new railway line. This line was called the "London Extension." It stretched all the way to a new main station in London called Marylebone station. This was a big achievement because it gave the GCR its own direct route into the capital city.

Joining a Bigger Railway Family

The Great Central Railway did not operate on its own forever. On 1 January 1923, a new law called the Railways Act 1921 changed how railways in Britain worked. Because of this law, the GCR became part of a much larger company called the London and North Eastern Railway. This change meant that many smaller railway companies joined together to form bigger ones.

Images for kids

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  The front of Marylebone station, a major London railway hub.

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  The very last train leaving Rugby Central station on 3 May 1969.

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  Locomotive No. 506, named Butler-Henderson. It is the only surviving engine of its type, a GCR Class 11F.

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  Locomotive No. 63601. This is the only surviving engine of the GCR Class 8K type.