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Duchess of Bedford in BM 1
© Cheltenham Ladies College
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Your Story: Bedford’s Motoring Heritage |
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For much of the 20th century, Bedford had several long-established, family-owned garage businesses, most of which have now disappeared, either completely or into other ownerships. Motor cars were made in the town for a few years before the First World War.
Motor vehicle registration in Bedfordshire began on 18th December 1903, in accordance with the Motor Car Act (1903) which became law on 1st January 1904. Registration cost £1, and a driving licence five shillings (25p), although there was no driving test until 1935. Every motor vehicle had to display a number plate. The first three registrations, BM1, BM2 and BM3, were awarded to vehicles owned by the Duke of Bedford. BM1 was a 16 hp Napier landaulette, a photograph of which exists in the Cheltenham Ladies’ College archives, showing the Duchess of Bedford seated behind the ducal chauffeur, Albert Ames, the holder of Bedfordshire’s first driving licence. More...
Words: Richard Wildman & Alan Crawley
 
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