Rolls-Royce co-founder honoured at new Bournemouth sculpture

The aviation pioneer was killed in an air accident in 1910 in Hengistbury Airfield in Southbourne, when the tail of his Wright Flyer plane broke off during Britain’s first International Aviation Meeting. 

A collection of Rolls-Royce cars through the decades was also on show, with the 1909 Silver Ghost, brought down from the Beaulieu Motor Museum by Doug Hill, garnering the most attention.

1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

Not least because the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Bob Lawton arrived in the back of it to unveil the sculpture. 

Cllr Lawton said: “It’s a great honour to be able to unveil this statue in honour of Rolls who has made a fanastic and significant contribution to the history and development of aeroengines and engineering in our country. 

“I hope this will be an historic sight for people to appreciate.  

Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Bob Lawton unveiled the sculpture

“It’s easy to forget how much history is around us. Hopefully it will be a source of great admiration for many years.” 

Cllr Nigel Hedges, also present at the unveiling, spoke about Bournemouth's rich aviation history. 

In his speech, he touched upon Bournemouth’s flying school founded in 1914 and RAF Winton in Ensbury Park, as well as the Schnyder Trophy competition in 1919 and its heritage site at Spyglass Point. 

Rolls-Royces at Hengistbury Head

Cllr Hedges added: “The Rolls Heritage Trust at Hengistbury Head will now have completed a gap in public spaces to remind our residents and visitors of the important events in our history that are linked to Bournemouth. 

“This heritage sculpture will ensure that the achievement of Charles Rolls and Rolls-Royce will be in view to all. 

“With the Air Festival only a few weeks away, it is worth remembering our town’s centenary event of 1910.” 

cars from 1909 to 1981 were present at the event

Lord of Westbury, Stephen Young, was a part of the journey to get the sculpture at Hengistbury Head. He said: “We’ve been trying really hard to get this. 

“There’s a marble memorial at St Peter’s School but the public can’t see that. 

“It’s been such an amazing day – I couldn’t sleep last night.” 

Attending the event, Gwen Pennell said: “It’s a very good idea to be in this area which is more prominent than where it was previously.  

“I think it will bring more attention to Rolls-Royce and the era of Charles when he was killed in the accident.”