In a significant policy shift, the National Trust has decided to focus exclusively on exhibits related to the Penrhyn Quarry Railway at its Railway Museum at Penrhyn Castle in North Wales, resulting in the transfer of its historic steam locomotive ‘Harwarden' to the Bahamas Locomotive Society.
‘Harwarden' is a 0-4-0 Saddle Tank engine with works number 526, lovingly crafted in 1899 at the Husdwell Clarke and Company Ltd workshop in Leeds.
This change in ownership has brought ‘Harwarden' back to its roots, finding a new home in Leeds, where it is now on display at the Middleton Railway.
The Middleton Railway boasts an impressive collection of industrial locomotives and stands as a testament to the industrial heritage of the region.
The Middleton Railway, regarded as the world's longest continuously operating railway, has a history dating back to its establishment in 1758.
It was originally built to facilitate the transportation of coal from the Middleton Colliery to Leeds, playing a crucial role in the region's industrial development.
‘Harwarden' itself spent a significant portion of its working life at the Globe Ironworks in Stalybridge and is an example of a late Victorian industrial steam engine. Its presence at the Middleton Railway contributes to the preservation of an essential chapter in the annals of industrial and railway history.
The relocation of ‘Harwarden' to its new home in Leeds not only adds to the charm of the Middleton Railway, but also underscores the significance of preserving these historical treasures for future generations.
Visitors can now marvel at this splendid locomotive and connect with a bygone era of steam-powered innovation and industry.
Middleton Railway Chairman, Charles Milner said, “The Middleton Railway is very grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by the BLS by placing “HAWARDEN” on loan to us. Visitors will be able to see the locomotive on display when the railway reopens in April 2024.”
BLS Chairman, Keith Whitmore said, “We have worked with the National Trust since 1973 when LNWR Coal Tank Locomotive 1054 moved from Penrhyn Castle to our custodianship firstly at the Dinting Railway Centre near Glossop and now in our museum at Ingrow on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. We have been working with the trust for the last few years following their decision to reinterpret the story of railways at the Castle to solely tell the story of the Penrhyn Quarry Railway there which meant that a number of objects there including locomotives became surplus to their requirements we are honoured that in addition to the gifting of 1054 to us we have secured new homes for other exhibits including Hawarden, a former Stalybridge working locomotive and we are delighted that we have been able to work in partnership with the Middleton Railway to secure a new permanent home for a Leeds built Hudswell Clark engine”
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