Brooklands, located near Weybridge in Surrey, England, was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. Opened in 1907, it spanned 2.767 miles (4.453 km) and stood as a marvel of engineering for its time. Not only was it the first ‘banked’ racing circuit ever constructed, but it also became one of Britain’s earliest airfields, eventually evolving into the largest aircraft manufacturing center in the UK by 1918.
The Birth of Brooklands
Brooklands was the vision of wealthy landowner Hugh Fortescue Locke King, who was inspired to create a dedicated space for automobile enthusiasts. At the time, motor racing in Britain faced restrictions on public roads, which prompted the need for a specialized circuit. The track featured massive concrete banking, rising as high as 30 feet (9 meters) in places, designed to accommodate high-speed racing and testing.
The circuit was a groundbreaking achievement, reflecting the rapid progress of the automobile and aviation industries in the early 20th century. Construction began in 1906, and within nine months, Brooklands was ready for its first race.
The Golden Era of Brooklands
During its heyday, Brooklands was the epicenter of British motorsport. Events like the British Grand Prix, endurance races, and speed record attempts drew top drivers and engineers from around the world. The circuit became synonymous with innovation, where automotive manufacturers tested their latest creations and pushed the limits of speed and performance.
Brooklands was also notable for breaking societal norms. In 1929, Kaye Don set a new lap record at over 137 mph, and in the same decade, the track became a place where women like Dorothy Levitt and Kay Petre could compete and excel in a male-dominated sport.
Brooklands and Aviation
Alongside motorsport, Brooklands became a hub for aviation. The track’s infield housed one of Britain’s first airfields, where pioneering pilots tested aircraft. By World War I, the site transformed into the largest aircraft manufacturing facility in the UK, producing military planes like the Vickers Vimy, which famously completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919.
Brooklands’ dual role in motorsport and aviation made it a symbol of British engineering ingenuity. By the interwar years, it was producing aircraft like the Vickers Wellington bomber and later the civil Viscount and VC-10 airliners.
The Decline and Closure
The outbreak of World War II marked the end of Brooklands’ racing era. In August 1939, the circuit hosted its final race. The government requisitioned the site for wartime aircraft production, and significant portions of the track were dismantled or damaged to make way for factories and other infrastructure.
Post-war, the circuit was never restored to its former glory. By the time peace returned, motorsport had evolved, and the facilities at Brooklands were deemed outdated. The rise of new circuits like Silverstone cemented its fate.
Brooklands Today
Although the original track has long been abandoned, Brooklands’ legacy lives on. A section of the circuit and its historic structures now form part of the Brooklands Museum, a destination for motoring and aviation enthusiasts. The museum showcases vintage cars, motorcycles, and aircraft, preserving the rich history of the site. Visitors can walk along parts of the old banking and imagine the roaring engines that once echoed across the Surrey countryside.
Brooklands also hosts vintage car shows, motorcycle rallies, and other transport-related events, keeping its spirit alive for new generations.
