Dan Snow examines the development of the railways from their beginnings as track-ways for coal carts in the early 18th century to the pivotal technology for modern Britain.

In Episode One Dan Snow charts the development of the UK's rail network, from its beginnings as a primitive system of track ways for coal carts in the early 18th century up to the present day. Rapid industrial growth during the 19th century, coupled with the prospect of vast profits, drove inventors and entrepreneurs to develop steam locomotives, metal tracks and an array of daring tunnels, cuttings and bridges that created a nationwide system of railways in just 30 years. George Stephenson's Li­verpool and Manchester Railway became the model for future inter-city travel and his fast, reliable locomotive the Rocket began a quest for speed that has defined the modern world.

Episode two examines the impact the railway had on London in the late 1830s, linking it to Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. This was the start of a truly national network and one of the greatest civil engineering projects in history, while tycoons including Samuel Morton Peto and George Hudson made fortunes as the stock markets boomed. However, the bubble burst in 1847 and shares plummeted, leaving thousands of people facing bankruptcy courts.

In Episode Three Dan examines how in just 50 years, Britain's railways grew from a handful of small lines carrying coal to become the nations' biggest industry. The emergence of the rail network changed working conditions for British employees, proved a valuable export across the globe and even changed the way war was waged.

Dan takes us on one of the most significant sagas of change in our history, the revolution of rail and couples the story together beautifully over three one-hour episodes.