Railway excursion agents in Britain, 1840–60.

What is it about?

This paper uses a range of contemporary press evidence, now searchable online, to give a new perspective on the British railway excursion agent in the period 1840-1860, with important implications for working class mobility.

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Why is it important?

The role of Thomas Cook has been re-interpreted, he was clearly not the dominant figure so far assumed. Others agents such as Henry Marcus played a much more significant role. It also demonstrates the competing effects of powerful groups on the shaping of the excursion crowd at this time, and some differential advertising approaches.