THE SCORCHING heat did not stop the crowds turning out for the unveiling of a blue plaque installed in Hunt End in Redditch, marking 125 years of Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Organised by the company and World Origin Site, the plaque will commemorate the industrial legacy of the original Royal Enfield factory in the town.
Redditch is the official home of Royal Enfield and the ‘Bullet’ which was made in the factory in Hewell Road, from 1932.
The company was one of the town’s biggest employers from 1901 until 1967 when the production was halted and moved to India.
In 2019 Redditch Borough Council and Royal Enfield rekindled its relationship, putting on events in the town, including an exhibition in the Kingfisher and installing a sculpture of the Bullet at Arrow Valley.
Mayor Sue Eacock was joined by special guest Richard Hammond, as they unveiled the plaque.
Coun Eacock said: “Both my late husband and my son love motorcycles, but their favourite was the Royal Enfield.
“The great story of this wonderful machine begins in Hunt End, just south of Redditch town centre, where the very first motorcycle was produced in 1901, giving this iconic brand a proud age of 125 years.”
Mr Hammond said he was honoured to be asked to the event, saying he used to ride his own motorbike as child around the streets close to Redditch.
Speaking to the Standard after the unveiling, he said: “Motorcycles are all I wanted, loved and dreamt of.
“A brand like Royal Enfield, which is a fine old mark, is recognised world wide, and recognising the origin of it is really important.
“I do love the idea that it is recognising the a globally known brand, which is great that Redditch can always own, but it is also recognising the hard work of the men and women who worked her win this factory and built bikes and spread the word around the world.
Guests then had the opportunity to ride to Arrow Valley Park, to see the Bullet sculpture and have afternoon tea.
