This was the locomotive works of R & W Hawthorn, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne south of Newcastle Central station.
Having had several orders of locomotives from the North British Railway in 1844 the company set up, in 1846, the Leith Engine Works. Locomotives built in Newcastle were assembled here after being shipped by sea. With the completion of the railway to Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1850 the works was transferred to Hawthorns & Co.