Uncovering the West Midlands roots of Thomas the Tank Engine
It is Christopher Awdry's measles in the 1942 that led his father to create Thomas the Tank Engine.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""It's not something we've really publicised," Christopher Awdry joked."
— Christopher Awdry , Other
""the rest was history," said Christopher Awdry."
— Christopher Awdry , Other
Key People
Tags
All Coverage
It is Christopher Awdry's measles in the 1942 that led his father to create Thomas the Tank Engine.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Plans to shut Marston's Brewery in Burton revealed
Burton-upon-Trent's links with beer and brewing date back centuries.
October 8, 2026 at 05:09 PMBorn into Celtic, made at Motherwell, Welsh comes of age with Scotland
It takes talent, resilience and good fortune in finding managers who believe in you, but dreams can come true. Stephen Welsh is living proof of it, writes Tom English.
October 6, 2026 at 06:18 AMHow a scientist used Britpop to reach Mars
Colin Pillinger died believing that Beagle 2 had not landed, and now his work is being celebrated around the UK.
October 8, 2026 at 05:39 AM'You cannot build this car anywhere else in the world'
Car maker Longbow, which hopes to build thousands of cars, says the region has the talent and know-how.
October 9, 2026 at 05:11 AMSuffragette role 'a gift' says Beverley Knight
The Wolverhampton-born singer stars as suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst in Sylvia the musical.
October 8, 2026 at 05:57 AM'What terminal cancer has taught me about life'
A Gloucestershire man with terminal cancer shares the life lessons he wishes he'd learned sooner.
October 10, 2026 at 06:16 AM