Caravan Club site to house Britain’s oldest touring caravan

by Damien Sharkov
128 years ago, Dr William Stables commissioned a vehicle from Bristol Wagon Works Company that was more than just the talk of every town he would visit.
The 30 foot long ‘Wanderer’ was the first ever touring caravan, weighing weighs two tonnes and boasting a bookcase, china cabinet and musical instruments in its Edwardian interior.
The caravan, which has been housed by the Motor Museum, went on its first tour in 1885 and was last used in 1960. Now it is going to be on permanent display at the Caravan Club’s site in the Cotswolds.
Beverley Larion from the club said “We would prefer to keep it at the Caravan Club rather than in a storage facility so our members can enjoy it.”
“It’s great for historians and enthusiasts to see this unique vehicle which was the first ever custom-built for leisure caravan.”
Upon the Wanderer’s construction Dr William Stables became known as ‘The Gentleman Gypsy’, as he travelled across the country, pursuing the bohemian lifestyle with aristocratic flair.
Although it is capable of being towed by a car, the caravan was initially pulled by Dr Stables’ two horses – Captain Corn-flower and Polly Pea-blossom.
Gwilym Owen of the nearby Cotswold Motor Museum said “It’s had a little bit of modernisation over the years, such as new wheels and axle from a 1930s Austin and a more modern hitch but everything else is basically the same as it was when constructed.”
To see a video of the Wanderer’s trip to Buckingham Palace click below: