This locomotive, built by Aveling & Porter, Rochester, Kent, who are better known for their traction engines, it is a "cousin" of Quainton's Sydenham.

807 was one of a pair of  Aveling & Porter locomotives which worked on the Wotton Tramway, later known as the Brill Branch.  Being only capable of 4 mph they were deemed not man enough when it became a branch line rather than a private railway.  Consequently both were withdrawn in 1894 and were replaced on the Brill tramway by two Manning Wardle K-Class saddle tank locomotives.

807 was obtained by the Blisworth and Stowe Brick & Tile Co. Ltd. (latterly Henry Martin Ltd.) and used at the Nether Heyford Brickworks (Northamptonshire).  The brickworks closed in 1940 and was used as an ammunition store by the War Department.  No. 907 survived the war being stored until 1951.  The Industrial Locomotive Society then procured the locomotive, and was displayed at the Museum of British Transport, Clapham. 

It was then transferred to Covent Garden in 1980, when the London Transport Museum opened.

The London Transport Museum is currently closed for a £18.6 million refurbishment that is due to be finished by Spring 2007.  Brill will then return to Covert Garden.