It was on this day in 925AD that Athelstan, known as the greatest Saxon King, was crowned at All Saint’s Church.
A new South Western Railway train named after him rolled into Kingston Station at midday.
Tom Holland, who is the co-host of The Rest is History podcast, officially unveiled The King Athelstan.
The King Athelstan was flanked by “Saxon warriors” as it pulled into Platform 1.
It was welcomed by Kingston MP, and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, and children from King Athelstan Primary wearing crowns and waving flags.
The event ended with a choral performance from Tiffin Schools’ Choir and a train blessing by the Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough.
Sir Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton and Leader of the Liberal Democrats, commented:
“When we were planning on the sorts of things we might do to celebrate Kingston 2025, I don’t think any of us envisaged the dedication of a train. It’s a little unusual but absolutely in the spirit of the occasion and I’ve been delighted to be a part of today.”
Joe Silke, with South Western Railway, was part of the team that brought the event to life.
Cllr Noel Hadjimichael, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, commented:
“The King Athelstan train celebrates the Royal Borough of Kingston’s unique place in the country’s history, as the crowning place of the first king of a united England.
“To have it unveiled as part of the Kingston 2025 cultural celebrations is very special – a wonderful part of our six-month festival of past, present and future across the royal borough.”
