Crewe, United Kingdom - January 15, 2025 A historic plaque commemorating the 1913 Royal Visit to Crewe Works has found a new home at the Crewe Heritage Trust, following the decommissioning of its original signal box during a £190 million signalling upgrade on the West Coast Main Line. The plaque, which once adorned a signal box at one of Britain’s busiest railway junctions, was handed over by Network Rail after the station’s control was shifted to the Manchester Rail Operating Control centre. The new location for the plaque is the Crewe Heritage Centre, situated on the original Crewe Works land where the Royal Visit took place. In addition to the plaque, the Trust also received block instruments from the old signalling boxes to further commemorate the history of the site. Crewe’s Old Works, established in 1843, was the birthplace of the country’s most renowned steam locomotives and has undergone significant development over the years. The 1913 Royal Visit by King George V and Queen Mary remains a pivotal moment in Crewe’s industrial heritage, as large crowds gathered at the train station to celebrate the royal couple’s arrival. Jamie Morris, Network Rail’s programme manager, expressed his satisfaction in seeing the plaque preserved at the Crewe Heritage Centre, ensuring that future generations will remember Crewe’s vital role in the railway industry. Gordon Heddon, chair of Crewe Heritage Trust, also welcomed the addition, noting its significance to the town’s industrial history. The move of the plaque coincides with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway’s invention, with events throughout the year celebrating both historical milestones and future innovations in the rail industry.