Howard Routledge was born in Carlisle and became interested in steam locomotives from a young age, developing an interest in railway photography in his home city from 1963. Howard had a career with the Carlisle City Police, which began in 1964, from which he has now retired. He became involved with steam preservation from 1985 and is the former Vice Chairman of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust, which was responsible for running four preserved steam locomotives, including Princess Margaret Rose and Duchess of Sutherland. He lives in Carlisle where he continues his interest in steam locomotives and railway photography.