Special Sub-Topic: The Railway Children Authored by: ALPENCY Sub-topic of: They Became Movies

Who was the author of the book "The Railway Children"?

Edith Nesbit. Edith was born in London in 1858, she was known to her family as Daisy. Writing by herself, she published about 40 books for children, either novels or collections of stories. She was also a political activist and co-founded the "Fabian Society".

In which year did "The Railway Children" first appear in serialised form in "The London Magazine"?

1905. The book was published in 1906. I think it is reasonable to say that most people will remember the story from the television series or the classic film rather than from the book.

In which year was the film of "The Railway Children" made?

1970. The film was directed by Lionel Jeffries, who was also famous as an actor with leading roles in "First Men in The Moon" (1964), "Camelot" (1967) and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (1968).

On which British television channel was the story of "The Railway Children" serialised?

BBC. The serialisation was filmed in 1968, and was shown in seven parts. The director was Julia Smith, who subsequently became producer for "Eastenders". The filming of the railway sequences was completed in ten days, and ended shortly before the railway was re-opened to the public.

Which preserved railway line did "The Railway Children" use for the scenes around the railway?

Keithley & Worth Valley Railway. In the heart of West Yorkshire, the "Keighley & Worth Valley Railway" was built in 1867, but, due to British Rail economies, was closed in 1962. However, opposition was such that a Preservation Society was formed and the line re-opened in 1968.

Which railway station is the story based mostly around?

Oakworth. Oakworth Station needed quite a bit of refurbishment prior to filming. Such as, replacing broken windows, new mantles for the gas lamps and clearing weeds from the track. This was thought to be the only preserved stretch of line, which could provide the range of rolling stock and locomotives required for the period of the story.

Further along the line is the famous village of Haworth. The Parsonage at Haworth was the home of which sisters?.

Bronte. In the film version, the Parsonage, at the top of Haworths' Main Street, was the home of Doctor Forrest. Here you will find the "Bronte Parsonage Museum".

What are the names of the actor and actresses, who played the three children in the film version of "The Railway Children"?

Gary Warren, Sally Thomsett and Jenny Agutter. Jenny Agutter became a patron of the "Cystic Fibrosis Trust", which have an annual fund raising event in Haworth Park. Sally Thomsett went on to have a part in the Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night". Gary Warren went on to have a pert in the television series "Catweazle", which first aired in 1970 and ended in 1971. Other members of the cast included Bernard Cribbins and Dinah Sheridan.

In 2005, the National Railway Museum staged a Railway Children Centenery Exhibition. Where was it held?

York. The museum contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. When I visit England, I cannot resist spending a day there.

Which is the station to the south where the line terminates?.

Oxenhope. Oxenhope is the end of the single track line. A distance of 4 miles 75 chains from Keighley. (Please don't ask what that is in kilometers!) I hope that you have had as much fun with this quiz as I did researching the questions.