HERALD proprietor Sir Ray Tindle was stopped by the police in Castle Street for speeding as he posed as Mr John Henry Knight, from Barfield, who in 1895 was fined by Surrey County Council for driving at a rate of nine miles per hour, in a four miles per hour zone.

October 17, 1895, marks an important day in Farnham and the nation’s motoring history as Mr Knight’s actions which resulted in a summons were believed to be the first driving offence in the UK.

Dignitaries, councillors, Pc Chris Skillicorn-Aston from Surrey Police and Farnham residents assembled on Castle Street, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sir Ray and his accomplice the Mayor of Farnham, Pat Frost.

The 1904 Speedwell Dogcart made its way up Castle Street yesterday (Thursdsay) at 11.30am, until it was brought to a halt by Pc Skillicorn-Aston – who was holding an original copy of the summons which was later presented to Sir Ray.

Mrs Frost thoroughly enjoyed the reenactment and said: “Tradition and history are important and today we celebrated history in Farnham and I have to thank Sir Ray for initiating the ceremony today, it was excellent. The ride was great and the rain held off.

“I just wanted to say it was a very interesting event today and I am so grateful to you, Sir Ray, for actually re-enacting it because without continuing with things like this in the town – and next year we are going to be celebrating the two-minute silence, which started in Farnham – Farnham wouldn’t be what it is.

“I would like to thank all of you for coming and sharing this experience with us, it was a joy to be in the car, it didn’t rain, it didn’t break down, but you did break the speed limit. Sir Ray, thank you for having all of us here and for your hospitality and allowing us to share this very special day with you.”

On October, 17, 1895, Mr Knight’s assistant, James Pullinger, was stopped in Castle Street by the superintendent of police, upon Mr Knight’s arrival the officer asked him whether it was a steam engine, to which he replied ‘no’. He was then, alongside James Pullinger charged with using a locomotive without a licence. Their case took place at Farnham Petty Sessions, and the pair were both fined two shillings, six pence and costs.

Sir Ray Tindle humoured his guests as they joined him for drinks and canapés at The Old Courthouse in Union Road. “You say it didn’t rain but who would dare rain on the Mayor of Farnham. We’ve been honoured to have so many prominent figures of Farnham here with us today, Farnham is such a marvellous place in so many ways.

“The one way which it appealed to us in particular was that the first car made in England was made in West Street, Farnham, by John Henry Knight, called The Knight Car. So we wanted to do something a little special to put on record. So, thank you all for coming – I had a great day.

“It is always great fun taking the car out, although it is getting old, I don’t whether the car is getting worse or I am but we are both getting on a bit. It is 111 years old and I am proud of how well it still runs.”