In seeking publicity for their newly rebuilt 'N15' class of powerful express 4-6-0s, John Elliot (the Southern Railways Public Relations Officer) suggested that members of the class should be named after characters and places associated with the legend of King Arthur. Sir Herbert Walker, General Manager of the Southern Railway, told Elliot that he would need permission from Richard Maunsell (CME of the SR). Maunsell replied: "Tell Sir Herbert I have no objection, but I warn you, it won't make any difference to the working of the engines!".Thus the class became known as the 'King Arthurs' from February 1925. The first rebuilt locomotive No.453, was duly named 'King Arthur'. No. 777 'Sir Lamiel', built in 1925 is the only survivor of the 74-strong class.
