Rev W. Awdry

Wilbert Vere Awdry, known as Rev. W. Awdry, was an English Anglican priest, railway enthusiast, and children's author best known for creating Thomas the Tank Engine and the Railway Series.[1][4] Born on 15 June 1911 at Ampfield Vicarage near Romsey, Hampshire, he served in various parishes including Elsworth and Emneth before retiring to Stroud, Gloucestershire, where he died on 21 March 1997.[2][3] He wrote the first 26 books of the series from 1945 to 1972, which were later adapted into the television series Thomas & Friends.[4]