Our history
The railway was invented in Britain. From sleepers to stations, every part of our infrastructure has a story to tell.
Today’s railway represents 200 years of engineering innovation and determination. Network Rail is the 21st century chapter in this astounding story.
Here you can explore our own archives online and learn more about railway records to help with your research. Find out about how the railway was built, the great engineers and visionaries involved, as well as our most iconic stations, bridges and tunnels.
The Network Rail archive
Our Corporate Archive manages and preserves a large collection of historical railway engineering drawings, as well as a modern business archive. Visit our archive catalogue and discover historical engineering drawings relating to today’s railway infrastructure. Our...
Iconic infrastructure
We're proud to be custodians of Britain's railway infrastructure. Stations Bridges and tunnels
Eminent engineers
Find out about the people who engineered Britain's railway.
Where to find railway records
Records relating to today’s railway infrastructure are not just held by Network Rail. The railway has always created large quantities of records. Over the years they have also been deposited in archives and museums across the country. ...
Working with railway heritage
We work hard to develop the railway for the 21st century, while keeping an eye on preserving its built heritage. Signalling heritage We are working with railway heritage organisations to document the history, operation and way of...
Railway 200
Celebrating 200 years of the modern railway Railway 200 is the nationwide celebration marking 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825. During 2025 Network Rail, alongside many...
Recommended stories
The Network Rail archive: Capturing our Histories
Oct 1, 2025
We talk to our archivist about a project to record the stories of communities of railway workers under-represented in our history.
Read the George Stephenson notebook online
Jun 9, 2025
Network Rail is proud to share one of the railway’s most historically important artefacts with the world. The rediscovery last year of a notebook written by ‘father of the railways’ George Steph
From the archive: WWII and the railway
Jun 6, 2025
The Network Rail archive is the custodian of a vast collection of historic documents and plans relating to today’s railway infrastructure. It represents the development of the most significant structures, engineers and innovation on the railway from...
The Railway at War - 1939-1945
Jun 6, 2025
The railway played a crucial role in WWII, for which we say thank you to all those who served and sacrificed.
VE Day - The railway in WWII
May 8, 2025
The rail industry has come together on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day to say thank you to everyone who served and sacrificed during WWII.
The Titanic and the railway
Apr 15, 2025
Did you know the railway played an important role in transporting passengers of RMS Titanic? Find out how.