Shock price tag of railway king's home (From Gazette & Herald)

Shock price tag of railway king's home

THE house in which York railway king George Hudson was born is on the market for an incredible £250,000.

The 18th-century cottage in Howsham was where George and his nine other siblings spent their childhood.

Edward Waterson, the estate agent handling the sale, said he was in no doubt the railway pioneer would be astonished the value on the property was so high.

"George Hudson was born in the cottage in 1800 and was one of ten children and his two parents to live there," he said.

"The cottage is spacious and has three bedrooms, but it must have been a bit cramped with 12 people under the same roof."

At the age of 15 he left home to escape the stigma of having fathered an illegitimate child.

He found work at a small draper's shop and married the proprietor's daughter, Elizabeth.

The family led an ordinary life until Hudson's great-uncle Matthew Bottril died, leaving him an inheritance of £30,000.

In 1833 Hudson was elected treasurer of the York Railway Committee and using his political clout helped push through Parliamentary Bills allowing him to form the York and North Midland Railway Company in 1836.

"At this time he is credited with saying: 'I'll mek all t'railways come to York'," said Mr Waterson.

"He was a millionaire but his empire crashed around him amid allegations of financial wrongdoings."

Hudson fled to France, his rich lifestyle crashed around his ears and he died a pauper.

"Considering he came from fairly humble origins he led a very interesting life. He was Lord Mayor of York three times and was an MP," said Mr Waterson.

Hudson died in 1871 and was buried in a humble grave in Scrayingham.

The cottage in Howsham is a Grade II listed period building which has been extensively restored.

There is an entrance hall, a sitting room, a dining kitchen, a utility room, a cloakroom, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

"There is no blue plaque up at the property yet, but I'm sure any buyer would be happy if one did go up," said Mr Waterson.

If you would like further details on the property, contact Carter Jonas estate agents in York on 01904 558200.

Updated: 08:31 Friday, June 14, 2002