Author: Mike Stark & Steve Akers
Publisher: JRB Publishing
Aston Hill was a successful speed hillclimb on public roads which, like all others on the UK mainland, was a victim of the RAC blanket ban on these events after the Kop Hill accident of 1925. It is surprising that the history of this event has not previously been recorded as, having given its name to the products of Bamford and Martin, the iconic Aston Martin brand is recognised by both motoring enthusiasts and the general public, although fewer of the latter appreciate it's origins at this Buckinghamshire Hill.
The participation of motor manufacturers was a regular feature of Aston Hill. In addition to Messrs Bamford and Martin, W.O. Bentley, Victor Riley and H.F.S. Morgan all participated as well as the leading drivers of the day from S.F. Edge and Dorothy Levitt to Raymond Mays and Humphrey Cook of ERA fame and Eddie Hall, later famous as the most successful competitor in a Derby Bentley.
The course, while a public road, ran through land owned by a member of the Rothschild family of banking fame. There were three grand houses occupied by family members within just over 3 miles of the hill (Halton House, Aston Clinton House and Tring Park) with others just a little further away (Waddesdon Manor, Eythrope House, Mentmore Towers and Ascott). At some events, the Rothschilds provided hospitality and supported the hillclimb as a social gathering.
Published to coincide with the centenary of the final event in 1925, this book by two active participants in the current speed hillclimb scene Mike Stark and Steve Akers is the first to bring together all the known records of the events held at the hill between 1904 and 1925. The product of several years of diligent research, including long hours at the National Motor Museum library, the book runs to 148 pages in soft covers. The foreword is by notable owner of early Aston Martin cars, Nick Mason.
The Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust has supported the publication of this book which is available at £35 from Chaters Bookshop. https://www.chaters.co.uk/prod/22305/motorsport-general-inc-annuals/the-motorsport-history-of-aston-hill
Published 2025
Price: £35
ISBN: #978-1-9997588-8-2
