Designed by Harry Wainwright for the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SE&CR) the C class appeared in 1900. The 0-6-0 wheel arrangement was popular for goods locomotives of the time and proved capable of hauling passenger trains when required, usually when trains were especially heavily loaded. A total of 109 locomotives were built and the class survived almost complete throughout the Southern Railway era to nationalisation, 107 engines entering BR stock. The class were withdrawn between 1953 and 1960 as electriification extended, the last locomotives surviving until 1966. Fortunately one locomotive, number 592, was purchased for preservation on the Bluebell Railway