W Rev 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 book series.[1][2] Born in Hampshire, he developed a passion for trains from childhood and began writing stories to entertain his son Christopher, which led to the publication of his first books in 1945.[1][4] He served in various parishes before retiring in 1965 and continued living in Stroud until his death in 1997.[3]