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Britain By Car - A Motoring History

Crystal Palace

Situated about ten miles south of central London, Crystal Palace, formerly known as Sydenham Hill,  derives its name from the huge glass conservatory erected on the site in 1854, having originally been constructed in Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Mike Hawthorn, driving a Maserati 250F, on his way to winning the British Automobile Racing Club’s race at the Palace, 30th July 1955, © National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

The Crystal Palace Circuit

Motor racing in the capital.

Location   
Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Rd, SE19 2GA. 

Date
1899, 1901, 1929, 1934, 1937-39, 1953-72, 1997-2000.

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The Crystal Palace, 1910; source unknown.

The Crystal Palace Motor Car Shows

For a number of years, early motor car exhibitions and shows were held at the Crystal Palace amid the courts and permanent attractions.

Location
The Crystal Palace, Sydenham Hill, London.

Date
1896, 1902-1906.

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