Invicta locomotive, Canterbury 1970
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The Invicta was an early steam locomotive constructed in 1829 by Robert Stephenson and Company in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It was designed specifically for the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, which opened on 3 May 1830. This railway was notable for being the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway, preceding the more famous Liverpool and Manchester Railway by several months .
After its withdrawal from active service in 1839, Invicta was stored and later became the property of the South Eastern Railway in the 1840s. It was moved to Ashford Works, making it one of the first locomotives to be preserved. Over the years, Invicta was exhibited at various events, including the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s 50th anniversary in 1875 and the Newcastle Stephenson Centenary in 1881 .
In 1906, the locomotive was presented to the city of Canterbury by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway. For 70 years, Invicta was displayed outdoors in Canterbury.
Restoration and Relocation
In 1977, Invicta underwent a full cosmetic restoration with assistance from the National Railway Museum. The restoration included repainting the ironwork and installing timber cladding around the boiler barrel. The locomotive returned to Canterbury in time for the 150th anniversary of the Canterbury & Whitstable Railway on 3 May 1980 .
In 2019, Invicta was relocated to its new permanent home at the Whitstable Museum and Gallery. This move was part of a project to develop a new museum at Whitstable to house Invicta and other railway heritage items. The relocation was completed on 16 June 2019.
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