The Vintagent Selects: Hell Riders: The Wall Of Death

SUMMARY

The Wall of Death has been synonymous with speed and danger since it’s conception back in the early part of the 20th century. The Original Wall of Death harks back to those early days, with the Wall being constructed in 1928, and the bikes, Indian Scouts, made in 1921. All those who see the show will remember it for the rest of their life. The noise, the speed, the smell, the proximity of the bikes ridden to the top of the wall, barely 6 inches from the audience – an experience never to be forgotten!

The Original Wall of Death was one of the early walls built by Orton and Spooner at Burton on Trent – they were, of course, famous manufacturers of fairground rides of all types but only made Walls of Death for a short period, although, according to records held at The National Fairground Archive, they actually made fourteen in total. The Wall of Death had been adopted in it’s early years by two great showmen, Billy Butlin and Pat Collins. Butlin was rumoured to have had as many as ten built up along the sea front at Skegness for training riders before they went into his holiday camps and other enterprises.

The Wall of Death was an instant hit and many popped up in and around the UK. Because there was so many appearing on the scene competition became fierce! Showmen had to think up new ideas to attract customers. Ladies started to ride and animals such as lions, monkeys and bears were introduced, often riding along side the drivers in sidecars or on the tanks of the Indian Scouts.

Sadly the war brought the Wall of Death hey day to a stand still and the animals disappeared along with it.
Only a few survived, including this one to rise from the ashes and entertain once more!
Generations passed until eventually it landed in the hands of Ken Fox and his two sons, Luke and Alex Fox. The Fox family continue to preserve the history of the Wall by keeping her touring and doing restoration work in the winter months.

Although the lion and old riders have gone, their memories and distinctive markings can be seen on the old panels and with the help of the Fox family this old girl will see many more years to come. – Ken Fox Wall Of Death / Original Wall Of Death

Search “Wall Of Death” on The Vintagent to watch more films and read more about this unique tradition.

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Original Wall of Death / IG @Foxwallofdeath

The Ken Fox Wall Of Death / IG @kenfoxwallofdeath