TheNetwork Rail archiveis 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 19th century to the present.
Each month we will delve into the archive to shine a light on the development of our network through the ages.
September: Brunel
Isambard Kingdom Brunel left an enormous legacy when he died 160 years ago, on September 15 1859.
By his passing at age 53, his transformational work had spanned record-breaking structures, radical attempts at technological innovation and the Great Western Railway, which linked London with West and South West England.
We showcase some of our archive’s most beautiful Brunel pieces…
When it was built, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’sMaidenhead Bridgeover the River Thames boasted the flattest yet widest brick constructed arches in the world.
Read more about the Royal Albert bridgeand see it comes to life in animation:
Controversial from the start, theBox tunnel‘s problematic construction delayed the completion of the Great Western Railway’s London to Bristol route until June 1841. Today it is one of Brunel’s most celebrated structures.
Explore more railway history
From the archive: our oldest items
Read the George Stephenson notebook online
Step back in time… and inside Britain's busiest signal box
Network Rail graduates step into history
Preserving railway history: five things saved by Network Rail