Erection date: 1960
This is the birthplace of the Bentley motor car. Number one was produced here in the year 1919.
This image was taken by Alan Zafer and was published in the Ham & High. Examining Chagford Street today we cannot find this arrangement of door and windows anywhere near the site of the 2nd plaque. And none of the brickwork looks new. Puzzling.
Site: Bentley Motor Car (2 memorials)
W1, Chagford Street, 48
In July 2022 the Ham & High recounted the story of these plaques, as told to them by Alan Zafer who used to have an office in the building.
The first plaque (also blue) was erected at this site (date unknown but c.1960) and Zafer photographed Walter Owen Bentley (1888–1971) standing in front of it. This plaque was stolen in 1982. Zafer says "With the help of the Bentley Car Club I had a new one put up and we put it higher up so that nobody would steal it." But 27 June 2022 Zafer noticed that the second plaque had also been stolen. Actually the second plaque was positioned within easy reach of any thieves.
Does anyone know, has a third plaque been erected?
