Making the connection Home Who we are Our history Making the connection Through our ‘Making the Connection' series of articles we investigate the links between the railway, its history and the world we live in today. Featured stories From the archive: Brunel and Stephenson’s Christmas in Cairo Dec 24, 2020 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... Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday - a nursing pioneer’s links with Brunel May 12, 2020 Florence Nightingale - a pioneering nurse with links to revolutionary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel - was born 200 years ago today. Nightingale is famous for her ground-breaking work in dramatically improving healthcare in Victorian times,... Film: discover the Network Rail archive Aug 6, 2019 A deed signed by Sir Christopher Wren, a letter from Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the earliest plans for modern rail travel. The millions of historic and legal documents held by Network Rail are “crucial to... From the archive: our oldest items Aug 1, 2019 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... Incredible Stephenson railway history rediscovered Sep 27, 2018 One of the world’s most historically important railway artefacts has been rediscovered by Network Rail after more than 50 years. For the first time, members of the public will be able to see detailed plans by George... View from the archivist: The railway runs on historical information Mar 26, 2018 Archivist Vicky Stretch introduces the wealth of historical information available to help run the railway – and how we look after it. Today’s railway relies on big data, live feeds, 3D modelling, online tools, instant access... Load more stories Other stories from around the site A woman’s place We take a look at the story of women in the railway industry and how today we are encouraging and supporting more women to get involved in the railway as a career. A brief look at... Valuing diversity The experience of black, Asian and minority ethnic people working in the British Railway industry is a history that has been little explored. From its earliest days, the railway in this country has employed migrant workers... Dr Beeching’s axe Dr Richard Beeching is much maligned as the Chairman of the British Railways Board who wielded his axe, closing thousands of miles of railway and stations in the 1960s. The jury is still out on whether... Lines in the landscape Railways and photography have a history that go hand in hand. The first photographs were produced in the mid-1830s, just as the first railways in Britain were becoming established. As photography became more widespread, this new... Fairways and permanent ways The story of golf in Britain has a rich heritage. The railway played a large part in its popularity and contributed some of the most beautiful courses and stunning golfing hotels in the country. Gleneagles In... History of level crossings Network Rail is responsible for around 6,000 level crossings; some modern automatic barriers and some with a more traditional operation. Whatever the type, the reason they are there originates from the very earliest days of... Together we can end domestic abuse Follow us on: Home Who we are Staying safe and secure Media Contact us Copyright © 2021 Network Rail Privacy notice Cookies Terms & conditions Accessibility Modern Slavery Statement Site Map Feed