Papers of the De La Warr Cycling Boulevard, Bexhill, and Bexhill Cycling Club

The records were purchased 3 Nov 2000 (ACC 8235)

These records were probably accumulated by Percy L Young, who was a Vice-President of Bexhill Cycling Club, and ran the De La Warr Cycling Boulevard

The De La Warr Cycling Boulevard was developed by the eighth earl De La Warr, Gilbert George Reginald Sackville (1869-1915), who was responsible for creating a number of attractions and recreational facilities as part of the attempt to establish Bexhill as an important seaside resort. In 1896 the cycle track was constructed along the East Parade, which had been built by John Webb for the De La Warr estate in 1883. In 1896 the Town Council refused terms to take over East and De La Warr Parades; these were shut off by ornamental gates until 1913, when the Corporation became responsible for them. In 1902 the first motor races in England took place along this stretch

Cycling was a popular Victorian activity. Earl De La Warr held summer cycling meetings on cricket ground at Bexhill Manor House from 1896. In 1897 prizes were presented by the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, an uncle of the Czar, who was godfather to Lord and Lady De La Warr's youngest daughter, Avice Ela Muriel

In later years cycling meetings were organised in Egerton Park by the Bexhill Cycling Club. The club was established in 1889. After the First World War the local cycling club was known as the Bexhill Wheelers