Lanark Racecourse

United Kingdom / Scotland / Lanark /
THE LANARK SILVER BELL

By S J King (First published in 'Now You Know!' 1999)

The "Silver Bell" is one of the most ancient Racing Trophies in Britain, yet its origins are disputed. The 'Bell' disappeared without trace for many years. It was re-discovered in 1836 in Lanark Town Council's vaults when they were in the process of moving to their new offices in Hope Street.

Many believed 'the Bell' to have been gifted from King William 'The Lion' of Scotland in approximately 1165. If this were the case, the trophy would be the oldest in the world! King William often stayed at Lanark Castle to participate in the local hunt and watch the racing on the moors.

Studies of the various hallmarks on the newly re-discovered 'Bell' linked them to silversmiths dating to the years 1587 and 1599. These do not automatically reflect the date of its actual creation and leaves us with the possibility that the traditional belief may not be unfounded. To my knowledge, it has never been disproved.
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Coordinates:   55°39'52"N   3°44'26"W

Comments

  • Horse racing in Lanark ended in 1977 after the Levy Board withdrew funding from the course. Most of the buildings and the old wooden running rails have now been removed. Only the old Tote building remains. The racetrack has not been built on and it is still possible to walk the track. By walking the track you can appreciate how tight the bends must have been at the end of the straights.
This article was last modified 15 years ago