Welcome to the Hollycombe Website

Emperor

The oldest surviving showman's traction engine in the world

A joy to go back in time and have an unpressured day - bliss.

Visitor Comment

Built in 1895 by Charles Burrell of Thetford, Emperor is the oldest surviving showman's engine in the world and regularly generates electricity for some of the juvenile rides as well as the lights on the Gallopers.

Emperor's canopy side boards carry the name of its first owner - George Twigdon & Sons of Dunton Bassett, Leics.

It was later returned to Burrells who converted it to a crane engine and used it as the works engine for many years. Emperor later went to the late Tom Paisley in Cambridgeshire from where it came to Hollycombe for restoration.

Latest from the Hollycombe Blog

03/05/13

Miniature Engines come to Hollycombe

The weekend of Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May sees around 35 miniature traction engines, from 2 inch to 6 inch scale, in steam at Hollycombe for the annual 'Steam in Miniature' weekend. The… read more

03/05/13

Good weather for Bank Holiday Weekend

The weather forecast is good for this weekend, so why not pop along to Hollycombe on Sunday & Monday and enjoy the delights of the steam fair, railways, and more? Come and see old Magic Lantern slides… read more

17/04/13

Classic Cars for Drive it Day

Two classic car clubs have booked to visit Hollycombe on Sunday 21st April for 'Drive it Day', a national day when owners of classic and historic vehicles are encouraged to take them out on the… read more