Steam circus in London in 1808

Steam circus in London in 1808

Trevithick’s steam circus on which ran the locomotive "Catch me who can". There is evidence that this "illustration" is not contemporary but was made long after the event.
From a contemporary illustration (1808). Recent archaeological evidence indicates that the event took place on a site in Bloomsbury, London, now underneath the Chadwick Building, University College London. This is off Gower Street, (opposite University Street, previously Carmarthen Street).

Catch me who can :

Catch Me Who Can was the fourth and last steam railway locomotive created by Richard Trevithick, after those at Coalbrookdale, Penydarren ironworks and Wylam colliery.

Built in 1808 by Rastrick and Hazledine at their foundry in Bridgnorth, England.
It was demonstrated to the public at a "steam circus" organized by Trevithick on a circular track in Bloomsbury.

Drawing from a card or admission ticket to the "Steam Circus", summer 1808, by Richard Trevithick

Portrait in 1816 of Richard Trevithick, the engineer, (1771-1833) by John Linnell (1792-1882)