London & North Western Railway 'Hardwicke'

Steam locomotive and tender, London & North Western Railway, 2-4-0 No 790 "Hardwicke", designed by F.W.Webb, built at Crewe in 1873, withdrawn 1932.

Steam locomotive and tender, London & North Western Railway, 2-4-0 No 790 "Hardwicke" is the sole surviving example of the LNWR Improved Precedent class, also known as the Renewed Precedent class. They were officially renewals of an existing class, Precedent, hence the name. Designed by F W Webb, Hardwicke was built at Crewe Works in 1873.

Competition between railway companies was fierce, and in 1895 the major Anglo-Scottish firms raced between London and Aberdeen in a contest that became known as the Races to the North. Hardwicke took part and on 22 August set a record by running at an average of 67mph over the 141 miles between Crewe and Carlisle.

On 27th October 1895, Hardwicke was involved in a collision near Preston. Hardwicke was hauling an express passenger train that collided with a freight train and was considerably damaged in the resulting derailment.

After Grouping in 1923 the London, Midland & Scottish Railway acquired the Improved Precedent class locomotives and renumbered them. Hardwicke was withdrawn from service in 1932.