1913 Burrell 6hp No. 3489, George of London spotted

Visitors excited to spot John Wharton’s 1913 Burrell 6hp No. 3489, George of London, at this year’s Welland Steam & Country Show.

We’re delighted to report that John Wharton’s 1913 Burrell 6hp No. 3489, carrying the name of George of London, was back on the rally scene at the Welland Steam & Country Show, following major boiler work. 

Originally the engine had two owners in the West Country before ending up with J Hickey & Sons, in Richmond, London, and it’s said to be the first of the breed that that company bought. The engine was named City of London and it was worked on heavy haulage in immaculate and ornate condition with His Majesty and Black Prince until it was sold in 1935, to Swales Bosworth, which converted her to showman’s specification.

Just before World War Two the engine was sold to Teddy Andrews Junior in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who renamed it King George VI. However, Teddy told the editor in 1973 that the engine was hardly ever steamed or used at that stage. Typical of Teddy, though, he didn’t sell anything – remember the fleet of those ex-Lucozade 1934 Leyland Beavers he ran into the 1980s? They were mostly run on one set of trade plates. 

King George VI was purchased by Jack Wharton as we all know, and became the first showman’s engine ever to appear at a rally in preservation times. At Welland, the engine was rather hidden and many missed it as it stood in between Searle’s ex-Hickey Burrell No. 3829 His Majesty, and their 1920 Burrell showman’s No. 3847 Princess Marina. It was certainly pleasing to see it out. The only comment made to Old Glory was that you couldn’t miss hearing the engine coming with the noise of the gears, but we are sure these will be sorted out by John and his special team in due course.

This feature comes from the latest issue of Old Glory, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE