The Brunel Engineering Centre Trust, under a Manpower Services Commission (MS) scheme, completely dismantled 6023 and restoration began.
Work continued until the autumn of 1988, when the MS scheme funding was withdrawn and the future of 6023 was cast into doubt.

6023 was then bought by the Great Western Society (GWS) and moved to Didcot in March 1990 for its restoration to continue.
The restoration has included the casting of new rear driving wheels in 1994, followed by re-wheeling the chassis in 1995.
The casting is notable since it is thought to be the first wheels to be created for a standard gauge locomotive in preservation.
The damaged wheels were also acquired by the GWS at Didcot and can today be seen on display there.
 Unlike the other preserved "King" class locomotives, the GWS decided to restore 6023 to its as-built single-chimney configuration.
 All "Kings" had been converted to double chimneys under British Railways ownership, which improved performance and efficiency but changed the original appearance.

On 12 April 2010, King Edward II's boiler passed its steam test, and on 20 January 2011 it moved for the first time under its own power since 1962.
It was due to re-enter service on 2 April 2011.

Initially, King Edward II has been painted in the early BR express passenger blue livery, rather than the later standard BR Brunswick Green livery currently carried by 6000 King George V and 6024 King Edward I.
The Brunel Engineering Centre Trust, under a Manpower Services Commission (MS) scheme, completely dismantled 6023 and restoration began. Work continued until the autumn of 1988, when the MS scheme funding was withdrawn and the future of 6023 was cast into doubt.
6023 was then bought by the Great Western Society (GWS) and moved to Didcot in March 1990 for its restoration to continue. The restoration has included the casting of new rear driving wheels in 1994, followed by re-wheeling the chassis in 1995. The casting is notable since it is thought to be the first wheels to be created for a standard gauge locomotive in preservation. The damaged wheels were also acquired by the GWS at Didcot and can today be seen on display there.  Unlike the other preserved "King" class locomotives, the GWS decided to restore 6023 to its as-built single-chimney configuration.  All "Kings" had been converted to double chimneys under British Railways ownership, which improved performance and efficiency but changed the original appearance.
On 12 April 2010, King Edward II's boiler passed its steam test, and on 20 January 2011 it moved for the first time under its own power since 1962. It was due to re-enter service on 2 April 2011.
Initially, King Edward II has been painted in the early BR express passenger blue livery, rather than the later standard BR Brunswick Green livery currently carried by 6000 King George V and 6024 King Edward I.
GWR 6000 Class 6023 King Edward II