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. Through our ‘Making the Connection‘ series of articles we also investigate the links between the railway, its history and the world we live in today.
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...
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