Step back in time to the golden age of railways. This is the story of Derbyshire's once-thriving rail network; a network of passenger and freight lines that criss-crossed the county at the turn of the 20th century.

The story began in 1840 when three local railway companies amalgamated to form the Midland Railway. This company had its headquarters in Derby where it also manufactured steam locomotives - nearly 3,000 in its 150-year history.

Grand stations were built at Rowsley for Chatsworth - where King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were frequent visitors - and at Bakewell for Haddon Hall. Buxton became a popular tourist destination and, although not on a main line, a 'through' coach was frequently attached to the rear of the Manchester to London St Pancras express at Miller's Dale station.

Sadly the railway age was not to last. As motorised transport became more accessible, lines began to close, first to passengers and then to freight. Further closures took place as a result of the Beeching report in 1963.

Today, preservation societies have taken over several of these old lines, and many more disused railway lines have been converted to greenways for the walker, the cyclist and the horse-rider.

This excellently researched book brings to life the county's railways and describes the reasons for their construction and for their subsequent closure. Modern photographs accompany those from earlier times. These, together with specially drawn maps and grid references, will help the enthusiast to explore many of the old lines and stations that have survived.