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Britain By Car - A Motoring History

Created Date:

04 August 2013

Last Modified:

27 January 2024
Tunbridge Wells

Showfields

The site of the first motor show in Britain.

Location
The Agricultural Showground, Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Date
November 1895.

  • Sir David Salomons at the tiller of his Peugeot during the first British Motor Show in Tunbridge Wells, held in November 1895; source: Grace's Guide to British Industrial History.
    Sir David Salomons at the tiller of his Peugeot during the first British Motor Show in Tunbridge Wells, held in November 1895; source: Grace's Guide to British Industrial History.
  • Sir David Salomons at the tiller of his Peugeot during the first British Motor Show in Tunbridge Wells, held in November 1895; source: Grace's Guide to British Industrial History.

Commentary
The first motor show in Britain – known at the time as the Horseless Carriage Exhibition - was opened by Sir David Salomons at Showfields on the 2nd November 1895.  Six exhibits were listed – three using Daimler engines, two De Dion Boutons, and a Gladiator tricycle – although only four vehicles actually appeared at the show.

At the end of the exhibition, in defiance of the law, David Salomons reportedly led a small procession of cars on to the road to Tunbridge Wells where the cars “proceeded smoothly and in perfect control to the pleasure of many spectators…”

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