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Emperor

The oldest surviving showman's traction engine in the world

A great day out - kids loved it, thanks.

Woodford Family, Southampton

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

19/11/11

2012 Special Events announced

An exciting series of special events will be held at Hollycombe in 2012.  New are a Military Vehicle weekend and the first ever Beer Festival to be held at Hollycombe.  All the usual favourites… read more

17/11/11

Volunteers needed!

Heve you ever wondered what goes on at Hollycombe during the winter? Now's your chance as we always need more volunteers to help with the myriad jobs that need doing to get the rides and engines ready… read more

24/10/11

See you next year!

Following a fantastically successful final Fairground at Night on Saturdy 22nd October, when visitors and volunteers alike enjoyed the Halloween theme, Hollycombe closed its doors for 2011 for its winter… read more