by Joe Jeffrey
The world’s first made-for-leisure caravan retires to take pride of place at The Broadway Caravan Club Site, Worcestershire
To any caravan connoisseur, the name Dr. William Gordon Stables, should ring a bell. If it wasn’t for this adventurer of yesteryear, perhaps you wouldn’t be getting ready to pack your things and begin your own adventure in your home-from-home on wheels; perhaps your favourite pastime of getting away for the weekend, to newfound territories, would be a complete figment of your imagination; perhaps you wouldn’t even be visiting this website or be reading this article. For it was William Stables who first set off in 1885, in his touring caravan (The Wanderer), to embark upon a journey that would lead the way for many more journeys, travelled by many more outdoor-loving caravanners for scores of years to come.
Upon contracting an illness in his thirties, Stables retired from the Navy and – perhaps owing to his sense of adventure and eccentric nature – purchased a caravan, deciding to travel the length and breadth of the UK. Being the adventurous spirit that Stables was, his journey wasn’t a quick jaunt; instead he traversed from his home in Twyford, Berkshire to Inverness, Scotland – a journey aided by two horses, taking two months, at an average speed of two-miles an hour. Speed may have not been on the plus side, however, innovation was. In fact The Wanderer was the first ever made-for-leisure caravan.
Built in 1885 by the Bristol Wagon Company – makers of the Pullman train carriage – The Wanderer was described at the time as “a fantasy” and the “marriage of a Pullman car and magic carpet.” And, for its time, it was. Made out of rich mahogany, lined with maple, the caravan weighed a hefty two-tons and featured most of the mod cons one would find in caravans of today.
In 1910, following the death of Stables, The Wanderer was auctioned off. The deceased’s family bought it back and under their ownership it stayed until his daughter’s death in 1961. It was then bequeathed to The Caravan Club – an organisation stooped in history itself, as well as remaining somewhat significant, considering Stables was one of its 11 founders.
Following a long period of restoration, in 2007 The Wanderer resurfaced to celebrate The Caravan Club’s centenary, making special appearances at prestigious locations including Blenheim Palace and Buckingham Palace, respectively. Following the fanfare, it was then placed back into storage. Until now.
The Wanderer is now on display at The Broadway Caravan Club Site in Worcestershire, taking pride of place in the engine shed. Now truly reformed to its previous glory, The Wanderer is a sight to behold and if you haven’t yet seen it we’d certainly recommend the trip. After all, if Stables was able to travel in his caravan from one end of the country to another with the help of his two trusty horses, we’re sure you’ll be able to tow your very own Wanderer with the help of your car. Besides, The Broadway is a lovely site after all! Whatever you do though, check out the video and get ready to be awestruck.
