They were designed to replace aging 0-6-0 locomotives on NSR long distance goods and coal trains both on and off the NR network thanks to the NSR's extensive running powers.
Four were built in December 1909 all at the company's Stoke railway works.
The only modification to the class during LMS days was regarding the safety valves, the original Ramsbottom ones being replaced by Ross-pop type.
[1] The livery of the H Class was the NSR's Madder Lake with straw lining, and NORTH STAFFORD lettering on the tender along with the company crest.
In LMS days they received the standard plain black freight livery with large numerals on the tender.