Into the next century

By 1900, the railway was mostly completed, and there were more than a hundred train companies in Great Britain. In 1904, an engine called 'The City of Truro' became the first to travel at more than 100 miles an hour.

The railways were taken under central control during the First World War, and the number of train companies was reduced to four in 1923.

The fastest steam train ever

The electrification [ee-LEK-triff-ick-CAY-shun] of the railways began in 1933. This means that the trains began to run on electricity instead of steam.

Steam was still used as well and on 3 July 1938 the world record was set for the fastest steam train. This was hauled by the streamlined engine Mallard, which was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, who also designed the famous Flying Scotsman. The Mallard ran between Grantham and Peterborough, and reached 126 miles an hour.

Roads start to take over

After the Second World War, the railways were nationalised [NASH-un-al-eyzed]. This means they were owned by the government instead of companies. The railways were made more modern, and diesel and electricity continued to replace steam as the main power for trains.

However, the railways now faced increased competition from the roads, which means that people started using cars and lorries more, and the railways less