This engine started its life, not as a showman´s engine, but as a road haulage engine named "Kitchener". It was delivered new in September 1920 to the firm of F. Barnes Ltd of Portland in Dorset, where her tasks included hauling heavy blocks of stone from the nearby quarries down to Portland Harbaour. Rated at 7 nominal horse power engine, she was built by John Fowler & Co. of Leeds as one their Class R3 Road Locomotives.

Later, she was to go back to Fowler´s works for a complete overhaul and to be converted to a Showman´s Engine, receiving the addition of such fittings as a bracket-mounted dynamo on the front and an extended full-length canopy. Thus converted, she entered showland service in the ownership of Mrs. H. Oasley of Alfreton in Derbyshire. In time, "Kitchener" was acquired by steam preservationist Mr. John Crwaley in 1952.

The engine´s claim to fame came about when she became the star of the film "The Iron Maiden", at which time the name "Kitchener" was dropped and replaced - appropriately - by that of "The Iron Maiden".

Now known popularly by its new name, the engine wa seventually to find a new home in Cornwall, where she stayed for many years in the ownership of Mr. G. Hawkins of Wadebridge, whotravveld her far and wide to visit steam rallies all over the country.

Today, having been completely overhauled once more, and still bearing its legend "Mighty in Strengthand Endurance" as proudly as ever, "The Iron Maiden" is now owned by Mr. Graham Atkinson of the Flower of May Holiday Park in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.