Burrell's operated out of St Nicholas Works in Thetford from their establishment as a foundry and agricultural machinery works by Joseph Burrell in 1803. Joseph's nephew Charles (1817 - 1906) built the company's first steam engine in 1846. Charles Burrell & Sons employed over 350 people (date ?) and exported to all corners of the world. The company produced munitions during the First World War. The company closed in 1928.