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Recording the history of the World's longest continually operating railway worksWelcome to the revamped Wolverton Works online website. This is run on a non-commercial basis designed to inform those who are interested in railway history based around Wolverton. Website updated 4th July 2025
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This was the World’s first long distance intercity high speed railway, The London & Birmingham Railway. Wolverton Works was the engineering headquarters of this 112 mile line for two main reasons - it was almost mid way between the two cities and it was adjacent to the Grand Union Canal enabling bringing construction materials to the location
The Works has been operated by many owners since it opened for business on 17th September 1838 while the actual land and buildings are currently owned by property developers, St Modwen a subsidiary of Blackstone.
The Works has been operated by many owners since it opened for business on 17th September 1838 while the actual land and buildings are currently owned by property developers, St Modwen a subsidiary of Blackstone.
The Royal Train
Wolverton has been home of the Royal Train since 1842 and Queen Victoria was a regular visitor to her refreshment and reading rooms there on her train journeys.
This subject is explored in www.royaltrain.co.uk This is the top secret WW2 armoured King's Saloon. The BBC interviewed me about The Royal Train's demise and can be found at: Travels with the Queen recalled as royal train nears end of line - BBC News ITV news, CNN, Asahi TV, BBC local radio also have interviewed me, in a Channel 5 documentary along with commentary by Phil Marsh aired on 14th June 2025 called Elizabeth Queen of the 70s. Other pages on this website look at the history, operation and the buildings of Wolverton Works. Philip has just finished recording a Channel 5 documentary about Royal travel in the 1970s which should have been broadcast on 3rd May. Hopefully it will be TX'd soon as part of a series looking back at the 1970s. |
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The Full Works Book
‘The Full Works’ is the most recent and official book published to commemorate the Works' 175th anniversary in September 2013. Details on how to obtain a copy priced £9.75 which includes postage, are here. This comes with a two page update bringing the book bang up to date.
About Phil Marsh
Phil Marsh joined the railways in 1973 and is approaching 52 years on the rails still very active - including a member of the Railway 200 steering group on a pro-bono basis. He currently has many freelance rail industry based activities which can be viewed here. Phil also runs a range of fascinating talks throughout the year. More here>>
