About Us
The Charles Burrell Museum opened in 1991 within the former Burrell, grade II listed, Paint Shop in Minstergate, Thetford. We are run by volunteers and funded through kind donations.
Charles Burrell Works 1890
Discover the history of Charles Burrell’s Works, founded in the late 18th Century in Thetford. Charles Burrell, was a renowned Industrialist during the golden age of engineering and agriculture. Learn about the family history, the people who worked there and the machinery produced – almost 4000 steam and traction engines were built, up until the Works closed in 1928.
The era of steam power is captured through static and working exhibitions within the original Burrell Paint Shop, one of the three remaining Burrell factory buildings here in Minstergate, Thetford.
Burrell-AerialPhoto
Burrell steam engines had a variety of purposes, from agricultural uses such as harvesting and threshing, to the era of travelling showmen towing fairground attractions. Burrell’s also produced steam wagons for the Boer War and the First World War.
The Charles Burrell Museum owns and maintains three working Burrell engines, usually housed within the Paint Shop, but can be seen outside in full steam at our Grand Opening and End of Season days every year.
Burrell SCC 2479 built in 1902. Spent it’s working life in Norfolk, secured for display in the Museum by Lottery grant in 1997.
Burrell 8NHP DCC 3833 ‘Queen Mary’ built in 1920. Left to the Museum by the late Viv Kirk. During 2015 the front axle was replaced and crankshaft bearing repairs costing £7500
Burrell DCC 4061 8 Ton Road Roller built in 1927. Donated to the Museum in 1992 by Tarmac Ltd, extensive work has been carried out by volunteers.
The engines now also often feature at public events in the town and visit community centres and schools.
