Doncaster, UK – 12 October 2025: The Gresley Society Trust is today announcing a nationwide appeal to uncover any existing recordings of the voice of the renowned railway engineer Sir Nigel Gresley, as part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of his birth in 2026.

Sir Nigel Gresley (1876–1941), one of Britain’s most celebrated engineers, is best known for designing the world’s most famous steam locomotives in Flying Scotsman, Cock O’ The North and Mallard, the latter holding the world speed record for steam locomotives. While numerous photographs and newsreel footage of Sir Nigel exist, no known recording of his voice has ever been identified. The Gresley Society Trust is launching this appeal to locate any audio recordings that may have captured his voice, offering a unique opportunity to bring this engineering legend’s legacy to life.

As part of the 2026 celebrations, the Trust aims to compile a comprehensive archive of Sir Nigel Gresley’s life and work, and a voice recording would be a priceless addition.

Philip Benham MBE, FCILT, Chairman of The Gresley Society Trust, said:

“Finding a recording of Sir Nigel Gresley’s voice would be to hear history speaking. It would give us a direct connection to the man behind some of the world’s greatest steam locomotives, and we urge anyone who might have such a treasure to come forward and share it with the world.

“The Gresley Society is calling on the public, historians, archivists, and collectors to search their collections, attics, and archives for any audio material – such as radio broadcasts, speeches, interviews, or private recordings – that might feature Sir Nigel’s voice.”

How to Contribute

If you have information about or access to potential recordings, please contact the Gresley Society Trust on.

All submissions will be carefully reviewed by the Trust’s archival team, and contributors will be acknowledged as part of the 2026 celebrations.

About Sir Nigel Gresley

Born on 19^th June 1876, Sir Nigel Gresley revolutionised railway engineering with his innovative designs. His locomotives, known for their elegance and performance, remain symbols of British engineering excellence. The Mallard’s record-breaking speed of 126 mph, set on 3^rd July 1938, still stands today. The Gresley Society Trust is dedicated to preserving his legacy and promoting interest in railway heritage.

Gresley 150th Anniversary: A Legacy of Innovation, Speed and Elegance

The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a Symposium and Gala Dinner on Saturday 20^th June 2026, at the Mansion House, Doncaster a date set to mark the 150th anniversary. The symposium will feature presentations by esteemed speakers exploring Gresley’s personal history, professional achievements, and enduring influence on modern railways.

Topics will include his early career, LNER locomotive and coaching stock development, the iconic streamliners, and his legacy in preservation and today’s railway industry. The evening’s 1930s-themed gala dinner will offer a nostalgic culinary experience inspired by menus from famous LNER trains, including the ‘Flying Scotsman’, ‘Silver Jubilee’, and ‘Coronation’. Tickets are priced at £25 (members) and £30 (non-members) for the symposium, and £75 (members) and £85 (non-members) for the gala dinner, with spaces limited to 100.

Additional highlights of the celebrations include:

• A new plaque at Doncaster station unveiled on 19th June 2025, marking Gresley’s birthday.
• An exhibition at the Danum Gallery, Doncaster, showcasing Gresley’s life and works, with part becoming a permanent display.
• A series of events with partner organisations, including those connected to Gresley’s class A4 No. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley and the LNER Coach Association on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
• The digitisation of the Gresley Society Trust’s archive to ensure broader access and long-term preservation.
• A short film on Gresley’s life and achievements.
• A Gresley-focused theme at The Festival of British Railway Modelling at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February 2026 featuring award-winning Grantham: the streamliner years’ layout.
• The creation of a commemorative logo for partner organisations.

To register for the symposium and gala dinner, please complete the RSVP form available from The Gresley Society Trust by 30^th April 2026. For more details, visit Gresley.org or contact The Gresley Society Trust, c/o City of Doncaster Archives, Chequer Road, Doncaster DN1 2AE.

Join the Celebration

The discovery of Sir Nigel Gresley’s voice would be a historic moment for railway enthusiasts and historians alike. The Gresley Society Trust invites everyone to join this nationwide effort to uncover a missing piece of his legacy and celebrate his remarkable contributions to engineering.

ENDS