Plaque to Honour William Heynes

A ‘Blue Plaque’ has been unveiled at the house where Bill Heynes, a man regarded as an important figure in the British automotive industry was born. Born at 11 Percy Terrace in 1903, William Heynes founded Jaguar’s Engineering department and was Chief Engineer from 1935-1989. The remarkable and talented engineer was crucial in developing the Jaguar marque, and the S.S. 100 was the first serious fruit of Bill Haynes design achievements. He went on to be Vice Chairman and Technical Director of Jaguar Cars, and he led on the design of many of their most iconic cars - the XK and the E-type to name just two. Bill Heynes was also a trailblazer on the entry of Jaguar Cars to the Le Mans car race which the company dominated with multiple wins in the 1950s. Made a CBE for his services to exports and vehicle design shortly before his retirement in 1969, William’s engineering legacy will continue to live on into the future. William died in September 1989.

Photo right: In recognition of his contribution to the British automotive industry, the ‘Blue Plaque’ was unveiled by the Mayor of Leamington Cllr Nick Wilkins, and by Bill Heynes son Jonathan.

The event was watched by members of the Heynes family, members of Leamington Town Council and the Leamington Blue Plaque Group. Four vintage Jaguar cars, which attracted much attention and admiration, were brought to the event. The plaque was funded by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and adds to the existing Leamington Blue Plaque Trail as the 37th plaque across the town. .

Editor: Information for the story from the Newspaper ‘Warwickshire World’.

The Blue Plaque scheme was launched in London in 1866 to mark the homes and workplaces of famous people. In doing so, people passing-by can learn more about the history of the person (or the building). This is the second Jaguar plaque in the town. Automotive Aerodynamist Malcolm Sayer’s home in Portland Place was commemorated in April 2010.