Hugh F. Locke-King
Encyclopedia
Sir Hugh Fortescue Locke-King (1848–1926) was a British entrepreneur who founded and financed (solely) the creation of Brooklands
.
Located in Weybridge
, Surrey
, Brooklands was the site of many aeronautical and motoring milestones during the first half of the 20th century; it was a predecessor of the Formula One
. Brooklands took its name from Robert del Brok, who, in the 12th century, was Lord of the local Manor, and prior to becoming a racetrack had been bought in 1830 by Locke-King’s father, Peter King.
The Wey Navigation was excavated a mile to the west of Brooklands effectively making the site an island. An airfield was constructed on Weybridge Heath at the beginning of Britain’s adventure into flight, and was central to the birth of the British aviation industry.
Locke-King devised and built the world’s first banked motor racing circuit here in 1906 and it became the home of British motor racing until 1939. He was inspired to build the 2.75 mile-long track. At 100 feet wide and 30 feet high it attracted many spectators.
Locke-King was spurred on by Selwyn Edge
(1868–1940), an experienced racing driver and car dealer, to complete the project with his highly publicised challenge that he would drive the course in a Napier single-handedly at a constant 60 mph for 24 hours without a rest break. Edge was to complete his remarkable challenge on the finished track without mishap.
. They each supported the other's endeavors; she in spirit and he financially. They had no children.
Brooklands
Brooklands was a motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907, and was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue, as well as one of Britain's first airfields...
.
Located in Weybridge
Weybridge
Weybridge is a town in the Elmbridge district of Surrey in South East England. It is bounded to the north by the River Thames at the mouth of the River Wey, from which it gets its name...
, Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
, Brooklands was the site of many aeronautical and motoring milestones during the first half of the 20th century; it was a predecessor of the Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
. Brooklands took its name from Robert del Brok, who, in the 12th century, was Lord of the local Manor, and prior to becoming a racetrack had been bought in 1830 by Locke-King’s father, Peter King.
The Wey Navigation was excavated a mile to the west of Brooklands effectively making the site an island. An airfield was constructed on Weybridge Heath at the beginning of Britain’s adventure into flight, and was central to the birth of the British aviation industry.
Locke-King devised and built the world’s first banked motor racing circuit here in 1906 and it became the home of British motor racing until 1939. He was inspired to build the 2.75 mile-long track. At 100 feet wide and 30 feet high it attracted many spectators.
Locke-King was spurred on by Selwyn Edge
Selwyn Edge
Selwyn Francis Edge was an Australian businessman, racing driver, and record-breaker. He is principally associated with selling and racing De Dion-Bouton, Gladiator; Clemént-Panhard, Napier and AC cars.-Personal life:...
(1868–1940), an experienced racing driver and car dealer, to complete the project with his highly publicised challenge that he would drive the course in a Napier single-handedly at a constant 60 mph for 24 hours without a rest break. Edge was to complete his remarkable challenge on the finished track without mishap.
Family
Hugh Locke-King was married to the former Ethel Gore-BrowneEthel Locke-King
Dame Ethel Locke-King , DBE, was a motor-racing promoter and hospital patron.Her wealthy husband, Sir Hugh F. Locke-King, created and solely financed Brooklands House, Weybridge, Surrey, the first permanent race-track in the world...
. They each supported the other's endeavors; she in spirit and he financially. They had no children.
External links
- Motoring History at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey at www.brooklandsmuseum.com
- http://www.brooklands.org.uk/stories/Stories%20archive/STORY1.HTM
- http://www.brooklands.ac.uk/common/history.asp
- River Wey & Navigations : All about the Brooklands racing circuit and historic airfield at www.weyriver.co.uk