The Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, (June 15, 1911 – March 21, 1997) was a clergyman, railway enthusiast and children's author, best known as the author of The Railway Series of books. The Reverend is an honorary prefix added to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. ... Commanders Badge of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions; in decreasing order of seniority, these are... June 15 is the 166th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (167th in leap years), with 199 days remaining. ... 1911 (MCMXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar). ... March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Enthusiasm (from Gr. ... Map showing the railways on the fictional Island of Sodor (click to enlarge). ...

Story

Awdry was born in Romsey, Hampshire in 1911. The son of a clergyman, he was educated at Dauntseys School West Lavington Wiltshire. In 1927, he and his brother, George, made a coach named Annie. He left school in 1929, and could do no more model making until 1948, the year he wrote Tank Engine Thomas Again. Wilbert built Clarabel to match Annie, called them "Annie and Clarabel", and Thomas had his train. He was ordained into the Anglican priesthood in 1936. In 1938 he married Margaret Wale, and two years later took a parish in King's Norton, Birmingham where he lived until 1965. Map sources for Romsey at grid reference SU3521 Romsey is a small market town, in the county of Hampshire, England. ... Hampshire (abbr. ... The term Anglican describes those people and churches following the religious traditions of the Church of England, especially following the Reformation. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... See also: Kings Norton, Leicestershire King’s Norton is a district of Birmingham, England. ... The city from above Centenary Square. ...

The characters that would make Awdry famous, and the first stories featuring them, were invented in 1942 to amuse his son Christopher during a bout of measles. 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. Christopher subsequently added a further 14 books to the series. 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1942 calendar). ... Christopher Awdry (born 1940) is a British author best known for his contributions to The Railway Series of books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, which was started by his father Rev. ... 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Map showing the railways on the fictional Island of Sodor (click to enlarge). ...

Awdry's enthusiasm for railways did not stop at his publications. He was involved in railway preservation, and built model railways which he took to exhibitions around the country. He retired from the clergy in 1965, and moved to Stroud, Gloucestershire. This article needs cleanup. ... 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). ... Stroud is a town in the county of Gloucestershire, England. ...

Wilbert Awdry was awarded an OBE in the 1996 New Year’s Honours List, but by the time his health had deteriorated and he was unable to travel to London. He died peacefully in Stroud, Gloucestershire on March 21, 1997, at the age of 85. Commanders Badge of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions; in decreasing order of seniority, these are... 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. ... London — containing the City of London — is the capital of the United Kingdom and of England and a major world city. With over seven million inhabitants (Londoners) in Greater London area, it is amongst the most densely populated areas in Western Europe. ... Stroud is a town in the county of Gloucestershire, England. ... March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Biography

A biography entitled The Thomas the Tank Engine Man was written by Brian Sibley and published in 1995. Brian Sibley is a British writer. ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

External link

• Awdry Family Website