The Wanderer
The world's first leisure touring caravan, 'The Wanderer' was
commissioned in 1884 by Scottish-born doctor and author Dr William
Gordon Stables. Gordon Stables believed that caravanning offered
the outdoor lifestyle which would have great benefits to health.
The Wanderer's first tour was taken in 1885 when she travelled
1,300 miles from Gordon Stables' home of Twyford in Berkshire to
Inverness in Scotland.
The Wanderer came into the possession of The Caravan Club in the
1960s following a bequest from Ottoline, the daughter of Dr Gordon
Stables. A selection of related items are currently held in The
Caravan Club Collection.
Go onto
Souvenir of The Wanderer, 1895Souvenir of The Wanderer, 1895
This souvenir, produced by Gordon Stables charts highlights of The Wanderer’s travels. Also included are a variety of advertisements of products endorsed by Gordon Stables including Bovril, Scotch Whisky and a gentleman’s tailor.
You can find the entirety of 'Souvenir of The Wanderer' online at the WikiSource website.
Gordon Stables' business card, 1890s Gordon Stables' business card, 1890s
An image of The Wanderer is featured pride of place on this business card used by Dr William Gordon Stables.
Photograph of The Wanderer, 1890s Photograph of The Wanderer, 1890s
This photograph of The Wanderer features Gordon Stables in the foreground, bearded and wearing a kilt. He is accompanied by his faithful Newfoundland dog ‘Hurricane Bob’ who travelled on caravan tours with his master.
Gordon Stables story books, 1890sGordon Stables story books, 1890s
The Cruise of the Rover Caravan, 1896, and Every Inch a Sailor, 1897 are just two of the 130 books written by Dr William Gordon Stables. The Cruise of the Rover Caravan includes a preface written by Gordon Stables whilst on tour in The Wanderer caravan.
Photograph 2 of The Wanderer, 1890sPhotograph 2 of The Wanderer, 1890s
The Wanderer out and about in the Oxfordshire countryside at the end of the 19th Century