Birkin, Sir Henry

[TuscanR]

GREEN with envy, you are a lucky lucky man!

Merry Christmas to everyone here on ten-tenths, thanks for all your help in answering my questions this past year.

[TuscanR]

I know that Sir Henry lived in Blakeney (not sure of the spelling sorry) and is infact buried in the cemetry of the of the local church there. With regard to him driving enthusiastically along the old A11 in the DVD which I've got ( Full Throttle ) its said that he drove from Mayfair to the Norfolk border in an hour and if he didnt achieve this feat he would turn around and try again! Although I dont know if this was made up to makr the story sound better, does anyone know if it's true or not??

[Quickoldtimer]

I notice that Birkins Bently teams' workshops in Welwyn Garden City have been standing empty for some months now since the last occupants, a motor spares retailer, moved out. Originally it stood in a row of about 7 identical factory units, over the years these have gradually been demolished such that there's only 2 left now. If somebody doesn't try to get it listed, or a motorsport enthusiast buy it, I doubt it will survive too much longer.

[Leigh Trevail]

For a time Birkin lived at Tacolneston Hall which is 10 miles SW of Norwich, he definatly used to shoot at Blakeney and is buried there. The Hon. Dorothy Paget who bank-rolled the Blower Bentleys lived at Brandon on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, the grounds now form Brandon Country Park which is open to the public. I have heard that Sir 'Tim' also raced a power boat on Diss Mere, but I have seen nothing in writing to back this up!
Apparently the nickname 'Tim' was given to him by his sister after a character in a childrens comic called 'Tiny Tim'

[TuscanR]

Hi quickoldtimer,
The units which used to house Sir Henry Birkin's workshop are now unfortunately a Topps tiles shop and a pizza/curry takeaway place along with a direct mailing office. It is a sad fact that the achievements there haven't been recognised by the town, but considering the state of the old Welwyn film studios opposite it is a miracle that they haven't either been demolished or left to rot. The council in Welwyn Garden City really don't seem bothered about the history and past achievements of the town.

[Fuzzi]

The Birkin family home was Ruddington Hall a large white building on the east of the A60 Nottingham-Loughborough road. When I last went passed it was a nursing home.

Sir Henry served in WWI first in the Sherwood Forresters and subsequently, I believe in the RFC from where his Captain's rank comes. He was known in the early 20s locally as a fast and furious driver and certainly owned a sports Salmson at one time.

It's worth remembering that Wally Hassan rode with Brikin as his mechanic in the German Grand Prix in 1928 when the race was run for sports cars. Birkin drove a 4.5 litre Bentley and finished 8th behind 4 Mercedes-Benz and 3 Type 35 Bugattis. Wally Hassan considered the drive to have been outstanding in an outclassed car and believed that Birkin was the Jim Clark of his day. An opinion which should be respected as he knew them both.

A hero for sure

[Fuzzi]

Oh by the way, Sir Henry's nickname of "Tim" came as I understood from Tiger Tim one of the earliest British chidren's comic characters. He was a gentle, but brave tiger cub.

[M Greenslade]

Have a look at our website www.bdcl.org

[tlracing]

Whilst on a business trip to Norfolk recently, I was able to find time to visit Blakeney to find Tim's grave. Quite an experience, as he was one of my father's heroes, which is why I was named Tim, after him.

[D-Type]

Originally Posted by D-Type

Somebody can't count

1. Barnato (Barnato-Hassan)
2. Staniland (Multi Union)
3. Straight (Duesenberg)
4. Cobb (Napier Railton)
5. Birkin (Blower Bentley)

Not that this in any way reduces Birkin's achievement.

I've just noticed this from a few years ago

I think the order should be:

1. Cobb (Napier Railton)
2. Barnato (Barnato-Hassan)
3. Staniland (Multi Union)
4. Straight (Duesenberg)
5. Birkin (Blower Bentley)

My apologies

[thebear]

You will find multiple citations on this WIKIPEDIA link.