Steam Engines

The collection is home to four very fine showman's steam engines that were originally used to haul the fairground attractions from town to town, then once on site they would assist with the assembly of the rides and shows then generate the electricity required to power and light them.

Steam EnginesA number of steam engine builders constructed special types of engines to meet the needs of the showmen and we have examples from three of the best known.

Burrell's of Thetford produced 'His Lordship' and 'Excelsior' and both had very long and hard working lives. 'Princess Maude' was built by Garrett's of Leiston and is a fine example of the smaller 'showman's tractor' type which were predominantly used with smaller rides and side stalls etc.

Finally, we have the most famous showman's engine in the world. Built by Fowler's of Leeds, 'The Iron Maiden' was originally supplied as a road locomotive called 'Kitchener'.

Later she was professionally converted to full showman's specification and saw extensive use. However her real fame came from her leading role in the 1962 hit comedy film 'The Iron Maiden' which was shown at cinemas throughout the UK. Nearly 50 years on this film is still much talked about and leads to the engine having a special significance to many people.