Beamish steam loco Lewin No 18 returns to the dock where it worked for 100 years

Beamish’s 135-year-old steam locomotive, the Lewin No 18, is making an historic return to its former workplace, where it worked for more than 100 years.

No 18 was built by Stephen Lewin of Poole in 1877, and was used to haul maintenance trains at Seaham Harbour, a famous coal shipping dock on the coast of County Durham that once boasted a sophisticated freight rail network.

Although the dockyard is still in operation, the fleet of locomotives are long gone and No 18 now resides at Beamish where it has recently completed a full restoration.

It will be making its nostalgic return on a day trip to Seaham on Wednesday August 29 and will be on view in the town’s Terrace Green Car Park until 12 noon.

The little loco will then make its way back to Beamish in time for their extravaganza of horse power, steam power and everything in between, Power from the Past, which runs from August 30 to September 2.

• For more on the restoration of the Lewin No 18 visit the Beamish Transport Blog

• For a fascinating history of Seaham Harbour and its railways have a look at East Durham Then and Now

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