Full Steam Ahead

Historians Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn bring back to life the golden age of steam and explore how the Victorian railways created modern Britain.

Series 1 | Episode 2

A visit to Beamish in County Durham, where our historians hear how Victorian railway companies began to develop ways of moving people, rather than goods, around the country.

Full Steam Ahead

Series 1 | Episode 1

Discover how the introduction of steam railways in the early 19th century changed Britain. And hear how coal transformed our day-to-day lives, from cooking to cleaning.

Full Steam Ahead

Series 1 | Episode 6

Hear how increased leisure time and affordable rail transport brought a new kind of freedom for working-class Victorians, and discover how London became a tourist destination.