From 1925 to 1975, the Railway Queens served as the public face of British railways. These young women played a key role in boosting morale and promoting unity during periods of industrial strikes and economic hardship.

The idea of female figureheads was not new. The May Queen had been central to the May Day parades since the late Victorian era. However, the Railway Queens took tradition further, becoming symbolic representatives of the railway industry. 

These ‘royalty’ figures helped to unite the workforce, performing ceremonial duties and representing the railways overseas.

Who were the Railway Queens?

The Railway Queens were working-class girls aged 12 to 16, chosen from families with a railwayman relative of ‘good character’ who was also part of a trade union.

Each queen held the title for a year, symbolising the industry while wearing a tiara, gown, and chain of office. Their role allowed workers to take pride in their industry and celebrate their shared profession.

Their role in railway history

The mid-20th century was a time of unrest as trade unions and companies clashed over wages and working conditions. Yet, the Railway Queens drew support from both sides, creating an area of common ground.

Since the queens came from different regions and railway companies, they represented the entire workforce. Their presence helped foster unity and encouraged cooperation across the industry.

The origin of the Railway Queens

The idea of the Railway Queens came from Harold Henry Neilson, a Liverpool shunting yard worker. Inspired by the image of  Britannia, he envisioned a  symbolic female figure to improve the railway’s industry reputation during turbulent times.

The first queens applied for the position by submitting photographs, which were shortlisted by the Liverpool Echo before a committee at the Walker Art Gallery selected a winner.

The queen was then crowned in front of up to 70,000 railway workers and their families at the Belle Vue carnival in Manchester. The event featured music, sports events, refreshments, and various entertainment.

The early days of rail promotions

As Railway Queens, these young women make goodwill visits, promote charities, and perform ceremonial duties such as station openings and locomotive christenings.

Initially, the role’s long-term viability was uncertain, leading to the first queen, Helena ‘Ella’ Wooton,  serving for both 1925 and 1926. It was later decided each queen would crown their successor every September.

The Railway Queens became influential public figures, frequently appearing in newspapers and newsreels while carrying out their duties.

Celebrating community and railway heritage

The popularity of the Belle Vue carnival reflected the significance of the railways, which employed a vast workforce at the time. As the figurehead of the ‘railway family,’ the queens helped to strengthen worker unity and loyalty.

Famous Railway Queens in history

Over 50 years, a total of 42 young women held the title of Railway Queen. The disruption of World War II meant that some queens had their terms extended.

Each queen did extensive work at home and abroad to cement the railway’s importance in British society.

Pioneering women in the role

The centenary celebration of the Stockton & Darlington Railway crowned Helena ‘Ella’ Wooton as the first Railway Queen.

Her successor, Mabel Kitson, was the first to make an overseas visit, travelling to France to promote international peace and friendship. Gracie Jones later took a five-week goodwill trip to North America, while Ruby Dovey visited Palestine.

One of the most notable was Audrey Mosson, crowned at age 15. Her duties took her to the Soviet Union, where she met with Joseph Stalin.

For every international trip, a new link was added to the Chain of Office, engraved with the name, year, and destination.

The end of the Railway Queens

For fifty years, the Railway Queens made a lasting impact, inspiring similar Industry Queens like the Cotton Queen, Coal Queen, and Wool Queen.

However, as more women entered the workplace in the 1960s, the tradition started to feel outdated. By the 1970s, critics likened it to a beauty pageant. The final queen Brenda Tomlinson ended her term in 1975

The significance of Railway Queens today

Though the Railway Queens are an almost-forgotten part of history now, their influence remains significant.

Not only did they promote peace and unity, but many believe they also helped open doors for women in the railway industry.

Preserving railway heritage

The Railway Queens brought women and children into the wider ‘railway family’, and reinforced workforce solidarity.

Additionally, they embodied the virtues railway companies sought in their employees, fostering industry pride and unity among railwaymen across the country.

Inspiring future generations

Despite representing a male-dominated field, the Railway Queens became the public face of the industry. Some argue that their visibility paved the way for the first female train drivers in the 1970s. And, in turn, the female workforce in the railway industry today.