Royal Enfield ‘World Origin Site’ plaque unveiled by Richard Hammond in Redditch

Royal Enfield’s 125-year anniversary celebrations have led to a special ‘World Origin Site’ plaque being installed in Redditch, with Richard Hammond part of the unveiling.

The plaque is very significant because it was unveiled at the original home of Royal Enfield, which opened its first factory in Redditch in 1901. 

The unveiling took place at the site of Royal Enfield’s Hunt End Works, on what is now known as Enfield Road. To perform the unveiling, Hammond joined Redditch Mayor Susan Eacock, as well as members of the local community, Royal Enfield staff, Riders Club members and surviving workers from the original Redditch manufacturing plant.

Speaking about the event, Hammond said: 

“My heart lies with two wheels, motorbikes are my private passion and as a local boy by birth, growing up nearby to this area, it's a great pleasure to mark this World Origin Site celebrating Royal Enfield; a longstanding, proud brand that rings with familiarity around the world and continues to honour the workers that laid the foundations here in Redditch.”

While the new ‘Origin World Site’ plaque was the main attraction, Royal Enfield also showed off its new Classic 650 125th Anniversary Edition. The bike was displayed to represent a long lineage that started with the very first Royal Enfield motorcycle in 1901.

The limited edition model will hit dealerships later this year, with sales officially due to open in August. The new model features a special 125 Year crest in gold, and is one of many standout models from the brand’s 2026 line-up so far.

That same line-up has already given us the Himalayan Mana Black Edition, as well as the highly-anticipated Bullet 650. The Mana Black Himalayan is priced at £6,449, making it the most expensive variant in the range, while the Bullet 650 is available in a Cannon Black livery for £6,799.

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