Author remembered Blue plaque honours creator of Thomas stories

A NATIONAL blue plaque has been unveiled at the former home of Thomas The Tank Engine creator Reverend Wilbert Awdry.

- Phil NORRIS, Claire HAYHURST, PA

The daughter of Thomas the Tank Engine creator Rev Wilbert Awrdry, at their family home with a blue plaque and red unveiling curtains on the wall.

(Picture: Ben Birchall/ PA Media Assignments)

The ceremony, at 30 Rodborough Avenue in Stroud, commemorated 80 years since the first of the beloved Thomas & Friends books, The Three Railway Engines, was published.

Rev Awdry initially recounted the stories of a fictional railway and its locomotives, Edwards, Gordon and Henry, to his son Christopher to keep him entertained whilst suffering from chickenpox in 1943.

Two years later, The Three Railway Engines was published.

Thomas The Tank Engine featured in the second book and swiftly became the most beloved of the locomotives.

In 1965, Rev Awdry stepped down from the Church and relocated to Stroud, where he penned the final six books of the series in the study of his home - which was dubbed Sodor by his family.

On Friday, Rev Awdry's daughter Veronica Chambers revealed the Historic England blue plaque outside the property.

Local primary school pupils recited excerpts from The Three Railway Engines, whilst a band performed theme tunes from the beloved Thomas & Friends television series.