George Hudson (1800–71) was the most important railway promoter of his time.^[1]

Called the "railway king" of Britain, Hudson amalgamated (brought together) short lines and set up a "Clearing House" in 1842. This designed uniform paperwork and standardized methods for fares. Passengers and freight were included, and part of their journey might be on canals. Hudson designed company and line amalgamations.

His activities helped to bring about a more modern railway network. In 1849 he exercised effective control over nearly 30% of the rail track then operating in Britain.^[2] Financial malpractice eventually forced him out of office.