The iconic character was first the hero of children’s books before making it onto television
Over the generations, there have been numerous iconic children’s TV shows, stories, and characters – like Iggle Piggle, Postman Pat, SpongeBob SquarePants or Bob the Builder. Each of these famous characters really takes people from all ages on a trip down memory lane and back to the good old days when our biggest concern was whether Bob the Builder could really fix it.
One small village, nestled in the middle of some lovely countryside, happens to have played a part in creating a very popular children’s character. Elsworth is a small village located around nine miles southeast of Huntingdon.
At first glance, it may look like any other village in the county, but it has a unique claim to fame. It is not only home to some gorgeous cottages but it also played a part in creating a much loved children’s character, Thomas the Tank Engine.
Reverend Wilbert Awdry OBE, was born in Hampshire but had later moved to the village in 1946 when The Railway Series, featuring iconic Thomas, was published. Reverend Awdry served as a rector from 1946 to 1952.
According to Cambridge Past, Present & Future, Awdry had just become rector of the parish of Elsworth when the success of his first two books led the publisher to ask Awdry to write a new book for the Railway Series every year. He did so for the next 24 years, writing five titles at Elsworth before moving to serve another parish.
A blue plaque commemorating the Reverend was unveiled in December 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of his first children’s books. Cambridge Past, Present & Future put the plaque on the old rectory to mark the books he wrote there.
You may be wondering what else makes the village so special. Well, a pub, two schools, and a church are just a few reasons why Elsworth is lovely.
The George and Dragon, situated on Boxworth Road, is a popular gastropub with a focus on fresh fish and seafood from local suppliers as well as high-quality meats such as dry aged beef.
The village is also home to two schools – Elsworth C Of E Primary School, and Elsworth Pre School – making it an ideal location for families with young children.
The village, complete with many thatched cottages and farmhouses, is home to a 14th century church, the Holy Trinity Church (where Awdry was a rector), along with a local shop run by villagers to offer the basics including fresh bread, sweet treats, and meat.
According to Rightmove, properties in this village had an overall average price of £707,500 over the last year. The majority of properties sold in Elsworth during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £781,000. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £340,000.
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