In 1902, the North Eastern started to electrify its suburban network in the Tyneside area. From Newcastle Manors station to Quayside Yard, there was a 3/4 mile curved freight line that had a gradient of 1 in 27 or 3.7 percent. Since this was too steep for efficient operation with steam locomotives, Wilson Worsdell decided to electrify this line, too. The specification for two electric locomotives to use on this short line included that they were able to haul 300 tons at 14 mph and to start up to 150 tons on the steepest portion.

They were designed as steeplecabs and were inspired by some locomotives GE had delivered to the Italian Milan-Varese Railway. The mechanical part came from Brush, while the electric part came from British Thomson-Houston. Four traction motors delivered 160 hp each. Additionally to the bow collector on the hood for the overhead line, they had collectors for the third rail in the tunnels.

The two locomotives were introduced in June 1905 when the electrification was finished. The bow collector was later replaced by a pantograph on the cab roof. In 1923, they came to the LNER and it took until 1945 for them to be assigned the class name ES1 for “Electric Shunting 1”. They were withdrawn in 1964 when the line was de-electrified and dieselised. One was preserved and is now on display at Shildon.