I disliked history at school - failed to see the relevance of kings and queens 400 to 600 years ago - to the extent I gave it up at the first possible opportunity (2 years before O Levels) - even though that meant I had to give up geography too as the subjects were a "bundled pair" at my school.  So I know - or knew - nothing of the past, and nothing about present day  "lands, the features, the inhabitants, and the phenomena of Earth".

However, I have somewhat changed my position and we can learn a lot from the past.  Here is how a rail way came briefly to Canvey Island.  I suspect the lessons we learn here suggest it's not something we look to do - though I suppose a slightly quirky system on Brownsea Island or Lundy ...

http://www.canveyisland.org/page_id__1020_path__0p39p138p.aspx

The article suggests that the Canvey Island system was the only such system of its kind in England ...

 
I love history. Particularly the period from the union of the crowns in 1603, through the English Civil War, the interregnum,  and up to the Glorious Revolution. But I never did history at school.

As for Kings and Queens, I fail to see their relevance today. So, one idea from the past I'd like to see tried today is republicanism. Obviously not in the same manner as Cromwell though. No need for Brenda to lose her head!

 
Cannot help thinking that stranded/sardine passengers on GWR today, would have accepted a canvey island monorail contraption, in the absence of just about everything else !

 
I, too, love history.  Particularly Napoleonic (c1789 to 1815).

It's interesting to note that historic concerns about England being invaded by foreign hordes 'using a tunnel under the English Channel' have now materialised.