After 90 years, William Foster & Co traction engine SPRIG made a special journey to its former home near Chopwell last week! The traction engine was one of the visiting star attractions at our Transport Gala.
Starting from Derwentcote Steel Furnace, it began the three mile journey to the Willey family at Broomfield Farm. Henry Willey bought the traction engine in 1921, it stayed at the farm for around 10 years - the same family still own the farm today!
In the 1930s the traction engine was sold to a Mr Whitfield of West Auckland, and by 1939, it had moved to Lincolnshire. It passed through several owners before the Bosworth family bought it in 1971. Whilst visiting Beamish, the owners felt it was the perfect opportunity for the traction engine to return back to its former home.
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