The Rev. W.V. Awdry - Childrens Author -

Wilbert Vere Awdrey was born in Romsey in Hampshire in 1911. He was the son of a clergyman and was educated at Dauntseys School, West Lavinton, Wiltshire, St Peters Hall, Oxford (BA 1932) and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He was ordained into the Anglican Church in 1936. In 1938 he married Margaret Wale, they had a son Christopher, and in 1943 whilst his son Christopher was suffering from a bout of measles, he amused him with some invented characters that would one day make him famous - including Thomas the Tank Engine. The first book (The Three Railway Engines) was published in 1945 and by the time Awdry stopped writing in 1972, the Railway series numbered 26 books in total. His Son Christopher subsequently added a further 14 books to the series. Awdry's enthusiasm for railways did not stop at his publications. He was involved in railway preservations and built model railways, which he took to exhibitions around the country. He retired from full-time ministry in 1965 and moved to Stroud in Gloucestershire. A Class 91 Locomotive, 91 124 bears his name. Wilbert Awdry was awarded an OBE in the 1996 New Years Honours list but by this time his health had deteriated and he was unable to travel to London. He died peacefully in Stroud Gloucestershire on March 21st 1997 at the age of 85. Children all over have enjoyed reading the books of Thomas the Tank Engine. In later years his stories have been retold to millions of new fans via the successful television programme narrated by Ringo Starr. The Official Thomas the Tank Engine Site