The Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Cllr Matt Dormer, attended the unveiling of Redditch’s new World Origin Site plaque on Enfield Road which officially recognises the birthplace of the world’s first Royal Enfield motorcycle.
Cllr Matt Dormer said:
"Today I had the pleasure of attending the unveiling of Redditch’s new World Origin Site plaque on Enfield Road, officially recognising the birthplace of the world’s first Royal Enfield motorcycle, designed and built here at Hunt End Works in 1901.
"It was a privilege to see Richard Hammond unveil the plaque, celebrating another important chapter in Redditch’s remarkable engineering and manufacturing history.
"Many people know Royal Enfield as one of the world’s most recognisable motorcycle brands, but fewer realise that its story began right here in Redditch. Over the decades, our town produced motorcycles that were exported across the globe, including the famous Flying Flea, developed during the Second World War for British airborne forces. Light enough to be dropped by parachute alongside troops, it became one of the most iconic military motorcycles ever built.
"The event concluded with a visit to the impressive Royal Enfield sculpture at the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, inspired by the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet and celebrating the enduring connection between Redditch and the global Royal Enfield community.
"Our town has a proud industrial heritage that deserves to be celebrated and remembered. Today’s unveiling is another reminder that Redditch’s innovations have had a lasting impact far beyond our borough.
"My thanks to everyone involved in organising today’s event and to all those working so hard to preserve and promote Redditch’s unique history."
