collection of objects and archives

Beyer Peacock & Co Ltd was a mechanical engineering company established in Manchester in 1854. They were based in Gorton, Manchester. Between 1854 and 1868 Beyer, Peacock built 844 locomotives, of which 476 were exported.

This sign is from the foundry at the Beyer, Peacock’s works at Gorton, which were purpose-built for the manufacture of steam locomotives. At the time the company was established, Gorton was a small community of 2,000 people. This area to the east of Manchester was still rural. With the establishment of Beyer, Peacock’s works (known as Gorton Foundry) and with the Manchester & Sheffield Railway’s works (known as Gorton Tank) just across the railway tracks, the area changed considerably between 1854 and 1904.

This is a two piece pattern for a Beyer, Peacock locomotive wheel. Parts made of cast steel, cast iron and non-ferrous metals require a pattern. These patterns were mostly made of wood from drawings showing measurement and shape. Wood patterns were painted to protect them from the moulding sand and to allow the pattern to come away from the mould easily. Paint colours gave the foundry moulder information. Yellow = machined face; orange = cores (interior shapes) and black = outer shapes.

Beyer Peacock & Co Ltd was a mechanical engineering company established in Manchester in 1854. They were based in Gorton, Manchester. Between 1854 and 1868 Beyer, Peacock built 844 locomotives, of which 476 were exported.