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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 16th February 2026
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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 is understood to be owned by the property developers TTG. |
The second in a series of local Milton Keynes/Wolverton canal and railway evenings is to be held on Weds 25th March at Milton Keynes Museum. Tickets are free (honest!) but limited. The first evening saw every seat occupied so if this is of interest, book at:
Bradwell: Water, Wind and Rail Tickets, Wed, Mar 25, 2026 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite The Royal Train & Wolverton Works book authored by Phil Marsh available on the night at £5. 
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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, ITV, CNN Asahi TV, all interviewed Philip about The Royal Train's demise. He has also featured in many TV Royal Train or Royal Travel documentaries over the years. Channel 5 aired one on 14th June 2025 called Elizabeth Queen of the 70s. This was followed by a feature in The Daily Telegraph. Other pages on this website look at the history, operation and the buildings of Wolverton Works. |
This is taking a train into Wolverton Works on the original alignment of the London & Birmingham main line looking south from Haversham Bank.
This was also the location of Wolverton's first station in 1838. The second station, from 1841 can be seen on the right hand side by the bridge. This lasted until 1898 when it moved to its current location. |
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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 £8.95 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 53 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 (feedback not opinion!) throughout the year. More here>>
