Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In a packed Rodborough Avenue this morning, Historic England unveiled a national blue plaque to children’s book author and creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, Reverend Wilbert Awdry, at his former home in Stroud.
The plaque was unveiled by Rev Awdry's daughter, Veronica Chambers, in a ceremony presided over by the Fat Controller. Children from nearby Rodborough Community Primary School also joined in the celebration.
Marking 80 years since the publication of the first book “The Three Railway Engines”, the blue plaque will be unveiled by Historic England Chief Executive Duncan Wilson and daughter of Reverend Awdry, Veronica Chambers (with grandchildren Claire Chambers, Mark Chambers and Richard Awdry also in attendance, alongside further members of the Awdry family).
The inscription on the plaque reads: “The Reverend Wilbert Awdry / 1911 –1997 / Children’s Author / who created / Thomas the Tank Engine / lived here”
Legendary record producer and railway enthusiast, Pete Waterman was at the ceremony and told Stroud Times: “This is one of those fabulous moments when we recognise somebody who lived in an ordinary house, but they become a world phenomenon. The Reverend Wilbert Awdry wrote Thomas the Tank Engine. He probably didn't realise when he did that just how big it would be.
“We all grew up loving Thomas the Tank Engine. For me, as a child, it was a book that every night my dad read to me before I went to sleep. You know, it's been a thing that stayed with me all my life, model railways, thanks to the Reverend Awdry.”
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For the latest from Stroud Times visit: stroudtimes.com
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Stroud Times - the independent community-based news website.
Encompassing the Stroud locality the team aim to provide engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, and championing local businesses' success.
Living in the community they serve, editor Ash Loveridge, journalist Matt Bigwood, and photographer Carl Hewlett have joined forces to provide free-to-view local content devoid of a clickbait agenda and pop-up adverts.
In a packed Rodborough Avenue this morning, Historic England unveiled a national blue plaque to children’s book author and creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, Reverend Wilbert Awdry, at his former home in Stroud.
The plaque was unveiled by Rev Awdry's daughter, Veronica Chambers, in a ceremony presided over by the Fat Controller. Children from nearby Rodborough Community Primary School also joined in the celebration.
Marking 80 years since the publication of the first book “The Three Railway Engines”, the blue plaque will be unveiled by Historic England Chief Executive Duncan Wilson and daughter of Reverend Awdry, Veronica Chambers (with grandchildren Claire Chambers, Mark Chambers and Richard Awdry also in attendance, alongside further members of the Awdry family).
The inscription on the plaque reads: “The Reverend Wilbert Awdry / 1911 –1997 / Children’s Author / who created / Thomas the Tank Engine / lived here”
Legendary record producer and railway enthusiast, Pete Waterman was at the ceremony and told Stroud Times: “This is one of those fabulous moments when we recognise somebody who lived in an ordinary house, but they become a world phenomenon. The Reverend Wilbert Awdry wrote Thomas the Tank Engine. He probably didn't realise when he did that just how big it would be.
“We all grew up loving Thomas the Tank Engine. For me, as a child, it was a book that every night my dad read to me before I went to sleep. You know, it's been a thing that stayed with me all my life, model railways, thanks to the Reverend Awdry.”
******************
For the latest from Stroud Times visit: stroudtimes.com
******************
Stroud Times - the independent community-based news website.
Encompassing the Stroud locality the team aim to provide engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, and championing local businesses' success.
Living in the community they serve, editor Ash Loveridge, journalist Matt Bigwood, and photographer Carl Hewlett have joined forces to provide free-to-view local content devoid of a clickbait agenda and pop-up adverts.
