Abstract: An hydraulic control valve and particularly such a valve for use as an automotive brake pressure modulation valve to maintain optimum adhesion and traction between the tire of the vehicle and the road surface during braking when the wheel shows a tendency to lock. The valve comprises one or more solenoid operated valves in which the solenoid core defines a chamber for a fluid under pressure. Preferably the valve member is in the form of a spool connected to or constituting the armature and is slidable within the core. The core has a narrow waisted portion provided to establish a preferred flux part through the armature. This arrangement enables the core of the valve to withstand the necessary operating pressure without the need for complex and carefully controlled welding. Smaller solenoids can be used by pressure balancing the valves.