Vera Hedges Butler: A Trailblazing Woman in the British Automotive Industry
In the early days of the automobile, there were a few pioneering women who made significant contributions to the industry. One such woman was Vera Hedges Butler, who achieved several notable firsts and left a lasting impact on the British automotive scene.
Vera was born in London in 1881 to a father who was an early adopter of cars. Her father, Frank, purchased a Benz in 1897, making him one of the first car owners in Britain. Through their involvement with the Royal Automobile Club, Frank met Charles Rolls, a young engineer and future co-founder of Rolls-Royce. This connection would prove significant in Vera’s automotive journey.
At the age of 19, Vera accompanied her father in his 6hp Panhard for the 1000 Miles Trial in 1900. This challenging journey from London to Edinburgh and back aimed to prove the superiority of cars over horse-drawn vehicles. Out of the 17 cars that finished the trial, Vera’s Panhard was one of them. She became one of the very few women to participate in the event, which also saw Lord Iliffe, the publisher of The Autocar, and Charles Rolls emerge as winners.
Vera’s love for motoring continued to grow, as evidenced by her participation in a gymkhana event and her historic drive from London to Paris in her father’s Panhard just three months later. This made her the first woman to accomplish such a feat. However, her enthusiasm for speed landed her in trouble when she was summoned to court for driving at an excessive speed. Despite her defense and holding a driving certificate from Paris, she was fined and became the first woman prosecuted in Britain for furious driving.
Undeterred by this setback, Vera went on to earn her driving license, becoming the first British woman to do so. Her passion for adventure and exploration led her to embark on a trip to Nice and Grenoble in 1901, driving her new 4hp Renault. Despite facing snow drifts and even a car fire, Vera’s determination prevailed.
Vera’s journey also took a unique turn when her Renault caught fire, prompting her to organize a hot-air balloon flight over London. During this flight, she proposed the creation of The Royal Aero Club, solidifying her place in aviation history as well.
During World War I, Vera volunteered with the Red Cross, transporting wounded soldiers in her car and operating a mobile kitchen. Her dedication to serving others continued even after the war, as she settled into family life but remained connected to the automotive world. She attended an RAC event in 1950, marking the anniversary of the famous 1000 Miles Trial.
Vera Hedges Butler passed away in 1959 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and passion for motoring. Her contributions to the British automotive industry, as one of the first female pioneers, should not be forgotten.
Vera’s story serves as a reminder of the important role women have played in shaping the automotive landscape. Their achievements and perseverance continue to inspire future generations of women in the industry. As we celebrate the accomplishments of women in the automotive world, let us remember Vera Hedges Butler and the trail she blazed for women in British motoring.
