Brunel and the Great Western Railway
Date: 10:30 5th April 2025
Isambard Kingdom Brunel is probably our most famous resident. To celebrate his 218th birthday, we will have a special event: a talk and book signing by Tim Bryan and a guided walk.
11.00 – 12.00 - Iron Stone & Steam: Brunel's Railway Empire – a talk by Tim Bryan
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a Victorian icon, engineer, artist, architect, designer and visionary, entrepreneur and celebrity whose astounding feats changed the British landscape. Tim Bryan's talk tells the story of Brunel's awe-inspiring achievements and innovations as a railway engineer and chronicles how, in almost thirty tumultuous years, Brunel created a railway network covering much of the South and West of England, the Midlands and Wales.
Tim Bryan is Director of the Brunel Institute at the SS Great Britain and the paperback edition of his book 'Iron Stone & Steam: Brunel's Railway Empire' was published in April 2023. There will be an opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author.
12.00 – 13.00 – A buffet lunch
13.00 - 15.00. Railway History at Kensal Green: a guided tour
We will visit the graves of other railway engineers and promoters buried here, telling the story of the development of the GWR which runs just south of the cemetery. The tour will be conducted by John Haines, military history expert and Kensal Green tour guide.
After the tour there will be time for questions and hot refreshments.
Look out for people in period costumes for perfect photo opportunities!
Railway 200 at Kensal Green Cemetery
In 2025 Railway 200 celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. It showcases the role of rail in shaping Britain and the world and aims to inspire the next generation of pioneering talent to choose a career in rail, as the industry delivers a simpler, better railway for everyone. Railway 200 will be a year-long campaign in 2025 of events, activities and other initiatives, delivered by a host of people and organisations around the UK. Jump onboard and get involved!
On 27 September 1825 George Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1 hauled the world’s first steam-powered passenger train along the Stockton and Darlington railway; a distance of 26 miles. This historic event, celebrated with great fanfare, is generally regarded as the start of the modern railway (more information: https://railway200.co.uk/)
Other Events
I.K.Brunel & Railway History At Kensal Green Guided Tour
Date: 14:00 19th April 2026
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Cemebrating I.K.Brunel and his colleagues, we will learn about the development of Great Western Railway and their other achievementsSt.Helena to Kensal Green Exploring Napoleon’s Final Chapter
Date: 10:30 20th June 2026
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Guided Walk, Interactive Talk and Costumed Presentation, RefreshmentsThe Angels of Kensal Green
Date: 10:30 15th August 2026
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Special event exploring Angels in funerary traditions, in Kensal Green and beyondThe Days of Giants: Joseph Locke and his generation of railway pioneers
Date: 14:00 20th September 2026
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Special guided tour examining achievements of railway engineer Joseph Locke and his colleagues buried herePrince George, Master Frederick and the Royal Secrets of Kensal Green
Date: 10:30 14th November 2026