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Oliver Cromwell - a brief history

BR Pacific No. 70013, Oliver Cromwell, is Britain’s great steam survivor. On August 11th 1968 she hauled British Rail’s very last steam train, bringing down the curtain on an era that stretched back to 1804.

When British Rail was formed by the nationalisation of the railways on January 1st 1948, it surprised many by developing steam, rather than experimenting with diesels and electrics. Launched in a blaze of patriotism, the new design of steam locomotive was christened 'Britannia' and marked a post-war revival for the railways.

The first of the new engines, including Oliver Cromwell, worked expresses between London and East Anglia where they soon revolutionised services. Just three years later, BR unveiled its modernisation plan revealing steam would be swept away.

Oliver Cromwell played an integral part in steam’s last rites, becoming the very last steam locomotive to be overhauled at Crewe and by the end of the year she became the very last Pacific in service.

Regular BR steam ended on August 3 1968, but Oliver Cromwell was honoured when she was chosen as the locomotive for the emotional final farewell to steam. The Fifteen Guinea Special ran on August 11 between Liverpool Lime Street and Carlisle.

Oliver Cromwell made its debut on the Cathedrals Express on a magnificent trip from London Liverpool Street to Norwich in September 2008 and is scheduled to haul further tours throughout the spring and summer.

Oliver Cromwell is part of the National Collection based at the National Railway Museum in York and is in the custodianship of the 5305 Locomotive Association, based at Loughborough, who manage the locomotive on a day to day basis.