The historic steam engine once driven by King Charles III is coming to Leicester

A historic steam locomotive once driven by the King is coming to Leicester. Organizers say the ride will transport people back to the glory days of steam travel.

7029 Clun Castle was a regular express engine on the Western Region of British Railways, but its days became numbered with the switch to diesel. The historic engine, which was built in Swindon in 1950, was the last steam locomotive to pull the London Paddington Express in November 1965, before being withdrawn from service a month later.

The warehouse then appeared to be its final resting place, but was rescued by enthusiasts and restored. The latter part of its life saw it once again become a wonder of the rails and was even driven by King Charles III when the then Prince of Wales took over in 1988 to mark the 150th Anniversary of the London and Birmingham Railway.

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Clun Castle, named after the Shropshire castle of the same name, is also a record holder. In 1964 the locomotive broke the record for the fastest journey between Plymouth and Bristol – a record previously held by the City of Truro – believed to be the first engine to reach 100mph.

Now 7029 Clun Castle, which comes in bright green, is paying a visit to Leicester as part of the special ‘Shakespeare Express’. The 74-year-old locomotive will travel from Leicester to Stratford on Sunday, July 14, on a two-and-a-half-hour journey that will transport passengers back to the glory days of steam trains.

The journey will allow people to enjoy a slap-up English breakfast en route to Stratford, before passengers can explore the Warwickshire town. A spokesman said: “We’re not just taking them to Warwickshire, we’re taking them back to the glory days of steam in the 1950s. But we’d advise people to book early if they don’t want to miss the train, because is likely to be sold.”

7029 Clun Castle will arrive in Stratford at around 12.45pm and depart at 4.15pm. More information, including ticket prices, can be found on the Vintage Trains website.

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