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Emperor

The oldest surviving showman's traction engine in the world

Magical as ever – 3rd season ticket in a row.

Ward Family, Alton

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

14/05/12

Spring Flowers out at Hollycombe

One of the lesser known parts of Hollycombe is its Listed Woodland Gardens. These are located below the Fairground and provide a quiet place for visitors to walk and enjoy a bit of tranquility away from… read more

14/05/12

Sun shines on Miniature gathering

The sun shone on the weekend of 12th & 13th May – the first time in many weeks! – for the annual 'Steam in Miniature' gathering at Hollycombe. Only open to the public on the Sunday,… read more

09/05/12

Allen ploughing engine repainted

Tuesday 8th May saw the unique 1913-built John Allen & Sons (Oxford) Ltd Ploughing Engine No. 67 emerge from Hollycombe's paint shop for a successful steam test after a complete repaint by Trustee… read more