Understanding the Network Rail Estate 2.1 History
Heritage: Care and Development Strategic Planning NR/GN/CIV/100/05 July 2020 16/130
The infrastructure now owned by Network Rail and for which it has responsibility was built or acquired from the early 19th century onwards, although a few buildings date from earlier times periods where, for example, the assets of a canal company were purchased. From its beginning in the 1830s, the massive growth in railway construction ensured that by the 1860s the railway map of the UK contained the majority of main lines that are still in use today. Through a process of change and modernisation, the railway estate continued to develop, mainly piecemeal, but often through concerted programmes of activity. In the 1930s financial incentives were offered to modernise the railways and many stations were rebuilt. Many other were badly damaged during the Second World War
Pre-Grouping Era These are the earliest stations, from 1830s to 1922. A good example is Wellingborough Station
Big Four Era Between 1923 and 1947 the railways were principally ran by four companies, following the Railways Act 1921
Nationalisation - British Rail Nationalisation took place in 1948, with an international modern style used widely
Privatisation In 1997 the railway was privatised, with train operating companies operating the majority of stations
Significant changes took place after nationalisation in 1948: rationalisation, which caused the closure of much of the network, and modernisation of the remaining lines. Route modifications and the installation of electrification equipment took place from the 1960s onward. During this period many stations were rebuilt for Coventry and Harlow Town.