Bideford Lion roars back to Devon for the first time in more than 70 years

Steam enthusiasts will have a rare chance to see an original Devon waggon this August as it returns to Bideford and North Devon where its working life began.

Owners Derek and Louise Gransden are taking Sentinel Waggon 8850, affectionately known as ‘The Lion’, on an extraordinary journey through Devon, marking the vehicle’s first return to its original working area since the 1950s.

Built in 1933 by Sentinel Waggon Works in Shrewsbury, 8850 was ordered by the Devon Trading Co Ltd of Bideford and delivered that October.

Above: The Lion began its working life in Bideford in 1933. Credit: Derek/Louise Gransden 

Now restored to its original chocolate brown livery with bright yellow lettering, the seven-ton steam waggon with 24-inch drop sides ran between the company’s dozen branches.

During the Second World War, 8850 remained in constant service and later moved across the county to the Teignmouth Quay Company, where it worked shunting railway trucks alongside Sentinel steam tractor No. 5644 ‘The Elephant’. It was there that it earned the enduring nickname ‘The Lion’.

Above: The Lion in Teignmouth. Credit: Derek/Louise Gransden

Now fully restored and maintained by Derek Gransden, The Lion is returning to Devon for the first time in more than 70 years.

After visiting various steam and heritage events, including at Powderham Castle and Torbay Steam Rally, ‘The Lion’ will be at North Devon Festival of Transport in Bideford on Sunday, August 10.

It will also be dropping in to see the SS Freshspring steamship in Bideford on Tuesday, August 12 and then going to Woody Bay Station on Wednesday, August 13.

Its final local stop will be at Bideford Heritage Railway on Sunday, August 17 before going to the Honiton Hill Rally over the August bank holiday weekend.

Above: The historic steam waggon is almost 100 years old. Credit: Derek/Louise Gransden

Owner and restorer Derek Gransden said: “Bringing The Lion back to Devon after more than 70 years is something really special for us, particularly as we live in Kent.

“We’re especially looking forward to taking it back to places where it originally worked, such as Teignmouth Quay and Bideford.

“Hopefully it will be an opportunity to connect with people who may be able to share some history with us. We hope steam lovers and locals alike will come and see it.”

Steam engines run on more than enthusiasm, they run on coal - and lots of it! Derek and Louise are currently looking for coal sponsors to help fuel The Lion’s 2025 Devon Adventure.

Whether you're a local business, heritage supporter, or just a fan of steam, every bag of coal counts and helps keep this iconic Sentinel rolling.

If you would like to offer any sponsorship, please email louise.gransden@outlook.com or call Derek on 07885 596026.

Above: The Lion needs coal – and lots of it – to keep its wheels turning. Credit: Derek/Louise Gransden