The London & North Western Railway Society Study Centre.
The Kenilworth premises provide excellent accommodation and facilities for researchers, and there are regular open days operated by friendly volunteers when the archives and library can be consulted. The open days have proved very popular and visitors have remarked very favourably on the quality and convenience of the facilities and on the friendliness, enthusiasm and knowledge of the volunteers.
The Study Centre is open to anyone interested in researching the LNWR and related companies. Visitors wishing to view the archive material, browse the library of books and periodicals, or search and view the Society‘s large photograph collection on computer, or browse through the many albums of photographs held there, are very welcome. The members running the Study Centre are always happy to assist visitors with their research.
Since the opening of the Study Centre the volume of material in the archive and library has grown considerably. Today the collection runs to around 8,000 items, a large proportion of which are original. It covers all aspects of the work and operations of the LNWR and its successors, and includes minute books, reports, working and public timetables, appendices, and working instructions. There is a large collection of drawings and other information related to locomotives and rolling stock, stations, buildings, track and signalling. Many items are unique.
In addition there is an extensive reference library of books, periodicals and technical information. The associated bibliography of references to LNWR information, and to articles and other sources, runs to around 23,000 separate items. New material is constantly being added to the collections through a mixture of purchases, and generous donations and bequests.
The Study Centre, and indeed everything we do, is run by volunteers. We welcome new volunteers both to help at the Centre itself and to work remotely. To find out more, click here to be taken to our Volunteering page
Unit 6A, Princes Drive Industrial Estate, Kenilworth , Warwickshire, CV8 2FD.
Road connections are good. Princes Drive is off the A429 Coventry to Kenilworth Road and Kenilworth is just off the A46, The study Centre is 10 miles from the M40. 13 miles from the M45. 17 miles from the M69 and 19 miles from the M42.
The No.11 bus stops at the entrance to the Industrial Estate. A regular service runs between Coventry Railway Station & Leamington Spa. This service takes the scenic route but gets there in the end!
The X17 service also runs between Coventry and Leamington Spa and takes a lightly more direct route
London & North Western Railway Society
The Study Centre is normally open for visitors every Wednesday. We also have monthly open days on a Saturday. Check our News and Events Page for details Please contact us in advance if you are looking for something specific as we will be able to help you more effectively. Always contact us a few days prior to your visit to ensure there have been no last minute changes. Please contact archivist@lnwrs.org.uk or projects@lnwrs.org.uk
