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The Railway King! Down Upon Him
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The Railway King! Down Upon Him
The Railway King! Down Upon Him! Satirical cartoon mocking the downfall of railway financier George Hudson. He is held upside-down by a bird - perhaps a crow or raven - dressed as a judge, while money falls out of his pockets. In 1853 Hudson lost three court cases brought against him and became bankrupt. Date: 1853
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Media ID 23426222
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1850s 1853 Bankrupt Downfall Falls Finance Financial Financier Held Hudson Judge Mar21 Mocking Money Pockets Satire Satirical Symbolising Upside Down
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The Railway King! Down Upon Him: A Satirical Take on the Downfall of George Hudson, 1853 This intriguing satirical cartoon, titled "The Railway King! Down Upon Him," depicts the disgraced railway financier George Hudson being held upside down by a bird, likely a crow or raven, dressed as a judge. The image is a poignant reflection of Hudson's downfall in 1853, when he lost three court cases and ultimately went bankrupt. George Hudson, known as the "Railway King," was a prominent figure in the railway industry during the 1850s. His financial empire extended across various railway companies in the northeast of England. However, his business practices were not above reproach, and he faced numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The satirical cartoon symbolically illustrates the law, represented by the bird in judge's robes, bringing Hudson down. Money falls out of his pockets, emphasizing the financial losses he incurred. The title "The Railway King! Down Upon Him" underscores the public's perception of his fall from grace. This cartoon serves as a reminder of the political and financial climate of the mid-19th century, where corruption and mismanagement were not uncommon in the railway industry. The satirical nature of the image adds a layer of commentary on the moral decay that accompanied the rapid expansion of the railway system. The date of 1853 is significant, as it marks the year when Hudson's financial empire crumbled, and the public's perception of him shifted from a successful businessman to a disgraced figure. The cartoon captures the public's fascination with the downfall of a once-powerful figure and serves as a testament to the enduring power of satire in holding the powerful accountable.
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