Mallard

The number pictured yesterday belongs to Mallard a Class A4 Pacific designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built in Doncaster. On 3rd July 1938 Mallard attained a world speed record for steam traction of 126mph which has never been officially broken. She was restored to working order in the 1980s but has not run since 1987. She is currently in the NRM collection at York. 

This picture also illustrates the difference between a Train and a Locomotive. Mallard is a locomotive, The Coronation is a Train which consists of a loco (in this case Mallard) plus a number of interconnected carriages. Named for the coronation of George VI it was a passenger train run by LNER between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley stations. It was usually hauled by a steamlined pacific A4 in Garter Blue livery with red wheels as indeed it is here.

The Lost Legion – Legio IX Hispania

This tile is one of several found in York to bear the mark of the Roman Ninth Legion.  Around 71 AD the legion helped build the Roman fortress of Eboracum, however early in the second century the Legion vanishes from the historical record. There is a lot of speculation about the cause including a massive defeat in Scotland or possibly, after a strategic transfer, in the Middle East. Either way it has given rise to numerous books and films. This tile is on display in the Yorkshire Museum.

The Anglian Helmet

This helmet dates from 750-755 AD when York was known as Eorforwic.  The name of the owner, Oshere, is included within a Christian inscription written in Latin across the top of the helmet. 

IN NOMINE: DNI:  NOSTRI:  IHV: SCS: SPS: DI: ET: OMNIBVS: DECEMVS: AMEN: OSHERE: XPI

It is a beautifully made object of iron with brass decorations. There are 1947 rings in the mail and each one is connected to four others. It was found in Coppergate during excavations in 1982 and had apparently been hidden in a well. It is currently (October 2011) in the Yorkshire Museum. 

For a picture of how it looked on discovery see here