Invicta Steam Locomotive

Explore Invicta – the Stephenson-built engine that hauled the inaugural train into Whitstable Harbour station in 1830.

Canterbury & Whitstable Railway

The Invicta Steam Locomotive was built by Robert Stephenson and Company in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1829 and designed for work on the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, hauling the inaugural train into Whitstable Harbour station a year later.

Restoration

Retired in 1836, she was offered for sale in October 1839 but, without a buyer, was put under cover. Restoration began in 1892 and for many years Invicta was displayed in the Dane John Gardens, Canterbury. Following restoration in 1977, with help from the National Railway Museum, Invicta is currently on display at Canterbury Museum.

Heritage Lottery Fund Grant

In 2008, a Heritage Lottery Fund grant was made to Canterbury City Council to develop a new museum at Whitstable to house Invicta and a stationary winding engine built at Stephenson's works.