Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service: Burrell's of Thetford

Burrell's of Thetford

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Since the late 1920s when the Thetford works closed down, the name of Burrell still brings back proud memories for the older inhabitants of the town. The steam road locomotives built there were among the most renowned in the world, and today are held in high esteem by traction engine enthusiasts.

The firm made steam engines of many different kinds, as well as a range of other agricultural machinery. Always ready to pioneer new ideas, Burrell's were the first to introduce a practical heavy duty traction engine for use on roads. Over 4000 engines left the works during the life of the firm, all of them displaying versatility and reliability in the varied uses to which they were put in countries around the world. The name of Burrell is, however, most famous for the magnificent showman's engines, many of which survive today.

Over 4000 engines left the works during the
life of the firm, all of them displaying
versatility and reliability in the
varied uses to which they were put in
countries around the world.

A traction engine is strictly speaking a steam engine designed for haulage on roads, but the term embraces other mobile engines including steam rollers and ploughing engines. In the 19th century Britain led the world in the development of steam road transport. Several of the most famous firms were based in East Anglia and the East Midlands. The country town of Thetford in Norfolk became the home of one of them as a result of the craftsmanship, business ability and progressive ideas of the Burrell family.

Joseph Burrell is credited with founding the business in 1770, but recent research now puts this year in doubt. Nevertheless, it was well before the advent of steam transport. He set up as a general smith and repairer of agricultural tools at a workshop in the parish of St Cuthbert, Thetford. Ploughs, harrows, and rakes were among his output. Early in the 19th century, with his brothers James and William, he began designing his own patent agricultural machinery. In doing so he set the trend for well over a century of Burrell invention and originality. In 1803 his 'improved drill for sowing crushed oat cake manure with wheat, turnips etc.' won a silver cup at the Holkham sheep-shearing festival (a forerunner of the great agricultural shows).

A small iron and brass foundry was started under James, and continued at the St Nicholas foundry. One of James's sons, James junior, had a small shop and foundry in King Street, while the other son Charles inherited the family firm. Charles (grandson of the founder) was 20 when he took over in 1837, and was to see the name of Burrell become world-famous during his 69-year 'reign' to his death in 1906.

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