The railway pioneer was born 150 years ago

The Gresley Society, founded in 1963 to honour the life and works of Sir Nigel Gresley, has celebrated the 150th anniversary of his birth.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Nigel Gresley on 19 June 1876.

The Gresley Society’s latest journal reports on a series of commemorative events held across the country.

These included a service at St Peter’s Church, Netherseal, where Gresley grew up, a special service at Doncaster Minster, the naming of an LNER Azuma set “Gresley 150”, open days at Doncaster Works featuring class A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley in steam, and a well-attended Society symposium and Gala Dinner at Doncaster Mansion House.

Surviving Gresley locomotives in the UK and overseas carried commemorative headboards for the anniversary weekend.

A further highlight recorded in the issue is the return to traffic of the Society’s class N2 No. 1744.

The locomotive re-entered service on the North Norfolk Railway on 17 July following a lengthy – and costly - overhaul.

A ceremony at Sheringham marked the occasion, with the engine working in partnership with the Midland & Great Northern Society’s restored “Quad- Art” set.

Chris Nettleton, Honorary Editor, said: “This issue records a remarkable few months for the Society. The Gresley 150 celebrations and the return of our class N2 to traffic have generated a wealth of material, and I am already looking ahead to an extra magazine supplement to do justice to the many photographs submitted.

“The 200th edition of The Gresley Observer will also bring a completely new cover design.”

The journal also contains the first part of a major feature on the 90th anniversary of the class V2 2-6-2 (final part in No. 200), together with articles on Gresley’s booster experiments, railway safety, and other aspects of East Coast Main Line history.

The Chairman’s notes look ahead to future challenges, including the Society’s Gresley Buffet Lounge Car.

The Society’s next members’ meeting will take place on Saturday 5 December 2026 at the Danum Gallery, Library and Art Museum in Doncaster where the sole-surviving class V2 No. 4771 Green Arrow is on display. After the formal business, Chris Nettleton will give a presentation on the class V2s to mark their 90th anniversary. Guests are welcome.

The Gresley Society was founded in 1963 to promote interest in the life and work of Sir Nigel Gresley. Membership enquiries are welcomed.