The idea behind this text was to survey the historical geography of the British Isles. But due to the complexity it was decided to concentrate on the 19th century period. Furthermore, in view of the substantial documentary resources which have already sustained extensive work on thie period, a narrow thematic focus seemed appropriate. Hence the attempt to extend previous work on the impact of railways, a technological innovation which is widely regarded as having been a potent force in the spatial transformation of the United Kingdom prior to World War I. The aim is twofold; to trace the development of the railway network in the context of separate company interests, and to consider the impact of the railways with reference to the waterway system and to everyday life in both towns and the countryside.