A train has been dedicated to honor a historical figure who was once hailed as England’s most exceptional ruler, and contrary to popular belief, it is not Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for more than 70 years, passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, marking the end of her reign.
The train, named King Athelstan, commemorates the 1,100-year anniversary of the coronation of England’s inaugural and most esteemed monarch. King Athelstan, despite being less renowned compared to successors like William the Conqueror, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I, was recognized as England’s “greatest monarch” in a public poll conducted by The Rest is History podcast in 2021. He was the grandson of Alfred the Great and played a pivotal role in unifying England as Rex Anglorum, the King of the English.
In a ceremony held at Kingston upon Thames, London, historian Tom Holland, in collaboration with South Western Railway, christened the train in honor of King Athelstan on Thursday, September 4. Joining Tom were the Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough, Lib Dem leader and MP Sir Ed Davey, and Cllr Noel Hadjimichael, the Mayor of Kingston.
During the unveiling ceremony, the SWR Class 450 train was christened with the name King Athelstan, flanked by Saxon warriors. The event featured students from King Athelstan Primary School wearing crowns and a choral performance by the Tiffin School.
To conclude the ceremony, the Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough, blessed the train. Tom Holland remarked, “Who could be more deserving of having a train named after them than Athelstan, the illustrious Anglo-Saxon king who initiated England’s journey towards becoming a united kingdom?”
Peter Williams from South Western Railway expressed hopes that the train would inspire passengers to delve into Athelstan’s reign and his coronation in Kingston 1,100 years ago. He emphasized the significance of commemorating Kingston’s remarkable history and embracing the town’s past, present, and future.
Cllr Noel Hadjimichael, the Mayor of Kingston, highlighted the King Athelstan train as a tribute to Kingston’s unique historical role as the place where the first king of a unified England was crowned. The unveiling of the train as part of the Kingston 2025 cultural festivities was described as a special moment celebrating the heritage and future prospects of the royal borough.