Dorothy Levitt
Encyclopedia
Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, (probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, c. 1882, probably died 18 May 1922) was a motorina and sporting motoriste of the early 20th century. On 4 July 1903 she was reported as the first woman ever to compete in a motor race. Levitt was a renowned pioneer of female independence, female motoring, motor racing, the most successful female competitor in Great Britain, victorious speedboat driver, holder of the Ladies World Land speed record
, motoring writer, journalist
and activist. In 1905 she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton
from London to Liverpool and back. In 1906 she broke the women's world speed record in a speed trial in Blackpool, and was described as "the fastest girl on Earth".
Her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, noted that women should "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic", thus inventing the rear view mirror before it was introduced by manufacturers in 1914.
in 1882 as a Sephardi Jew
.
Dorothy was probably the daughter of Jacob Levi, a Jewish tea
dealer or a Commission Agent of Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, who, according to the 1891 census, was born in Aldgate
, London in about 1851. Jacob had apparently anglicised his name to John Levit by the 1901 census.
Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, (probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, c. 1882, probably died 18 May 1922) was a motorina and sporting motoriste of the early 20th century. On 4 July 1903 she was reported as the first woman ever to compete in a motor race. Levitt was a renowned pioneer of female independence, female motoring, motor racing, the most successful female competitor in Great Britain, victorious speedboat driver, holder of the Ladies World Land speed record
,Women in Motorsport – Timeline motoring writer, journalist
and activist. In 1905 she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton
from London to Liverpool and back. In 1906 she broke the women's world speed record in a speed trial in Blackpool, and was described as "the fastest girl on Earth".
Her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, noted that women should "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic", thus inventing the rear view mirror before it was introduced by manufacturers in 1914.
in 1882 as a Sephardi Jew
.
Dorothy was probably the daughter of Jacob Levi, a Jewish tea
dealer or a Commission Agent of Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, who, according to the 1891 census, was born in Aldgate
, London in about 1851. Jacob had apparently anglicised his name to John Levit by the 1901 census.
Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, (probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, c. 1882, probably died 18 May 1922) was a motorina and sporting motoriste of the early 20th century. On 4 July 1903 she was reported as the first woman ever to compete in a motor race. Levitt was a renowned pioneer of female independence, female motoring, motor racing, the most successful female competitor in Great Britain, victorious speedboat driver, holder of the Ladies World Land speed record
,Women in Motorsport – Timeline motoring writer, journalist
and activist. In 1905 she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton
from London to Liverpool and back. In 1906 she broke the women's world speed record in a speed trial in Blackpool, and was described as "the fastest girl on Earth".
Her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, noted that women should "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic", thus inventing the rear view mirror before it was introduced by manufacturers in 1914.
in 1882 as a Sephardi Jew
.
Dorothy was probably the daughter of Jacob Levi, a Jewish tea
dealer or a Commission Agent of Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, who, according to the 1891 census, was born in Aldgate
, London in about 1851. Jacob had apparently anglicised his name to John Levit by the 1901 census. Dorothy's mother was probably born Julia Raphael in Aldgate 31 Oct 1856 (or possibly 1858), married Jacob Levi in the Seyds Hotel Finsbury in March 1877 and died in 1942.1881 Census1891 Census1901 Census1911 Census
Her paternal grandparents were probably Leman (Lemon) Levi (b.Portsmouth 1804 - d.1895) a Jeweller of 18 Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, London, who married Elizabeth Meyers (1816-1893) in the Great Synagogue Whitechapel in 1833. They had 10 children including Dorothy's father Jacob (who also used the name Jack & John). Dorothy's maternal grandparents were Joseph Raphael (b.1807 Portsmouth, d.7 Nov 1893, London), and Elizabeth Sewill (b.1818 in Liverpool, d.1897 in London).Sefardies Genealogy. Julia Raphael
Dorothy probably had two sisters, Lilly, (b.6 March 1878, London, d.8 April 1879); and Elsie Ruby Levi/Levitt, who was born in 1892 in Islington
, married Mark Solomon Clarence Lewis in Willesden
in 1917, and died in Brighton
in 1959 (or 1963).
Before her recognition for motoring Levitt was reportedly a noted horse-rider.The car and British society: class, gender and motoring, 1896-1939 By Sean O'Connell Everywoman's Encyclopedia reports that S.F. Edge, the owner of Napier Cars, advised her to enter the automobile profession, and after six months she understood the mechanism of a car. Dorothy was originally employed as a secretary at the Napier & Son
works in Vine Street Lambeth
.
In 1913 Dorothy was living at Portman Mansions, Chiltern Street, in Marylebone (according to the telephone directory).
which opined the hope that 'the controlling of motor cars will be wrested from the hands of ... these would be men'. Thus the preface to the first edition of her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, stated that :
She was described as 'slight in nature, shy and shrinking, almost timid. Her book went on to state that [there might] be pleasure in being whisked around the country by your friends and relatives, or ... chauffeur, but the real intense pleasure only comes when you drive your own car.
Both Levitt's book and newspaper column in The Graphic
described her atypical lifestyle for the Edwardian era, an independent, privileged, 'bachelor girl', living with friends in the 'West End' of London and waited on by two servants.
On 4 July 1903 Dorothy Levitt won her class at the Southport Speed Trials driving a S.F.Edge's
12 hp Gladiator
, shocking British society
as she was the first woman, a working secretary, to compete in a motor race. She became noted for racing in a dust coat
(a loose coverall coat reaching down to the ankles), matching hat and veil. On 25 July 1903 at the Sun-Rise Hill Climb near Edgehill
in Warwickshire
she was the official passenger of S.F. Edge because her Gladiator was a non-starter. In 1903 she was reportedly the first woman driver to win an automobile race at Cowes
on the Isle of Wight
.
In 1904 Dorothy Levitt raced an officially entered De Dion
car in the Hereford 1000 miles (1,609.3 km) trial. Only mechanical problems
on the final day, which she repaired herself,Profile of Dorothy Levitt at Google Books – Women and the Machine by Julie Wosk
prevented her from winning a gold medal.
In March 1905 Levitt established a new record for the "longest drive achieved by a lady driver". She drove a De Dion-Bouton
from London to Liverpool and back in two days, without the aid of a mechanic but accompanied by an official observer, her pet Pomerainian dog
Dodo, plus a revolver. At 07:00 on 29 March 1905 she departed from the De-Dion showroom in Great Marlborough Street
London, and arrived at the Adelphi Hotel
in Liverpool at 18:10, having completed the 205 miles in a little over 11 hours. (Liverpool was the home of her maternal grandmother.)
In 1905 Levitt drove an 80 hp (or 100 hp) Napier at the inaugural Brighton Speed Trials
, winning both her class and the Autocar Challenge Trophy
. She also drove a 100 hp (74.6 kW) development of the Napier K5
at the Blackpool Speed Trials.Hull, Peter G. "Napier: The Stradivarius of the Road", in Northey, Tom, ed. The World of Automobiles (London: Orbis, 1974), Volume 13, p.1483.Georgano, G.N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985). A works drive in a French Mors
in the inaugural RAC Tourist Trophy
Race on the Isle of Man
had been prohibited by Selwyn Edge in order to protect the reputation of his Napier marquee. Ironically the 208 miles (334.7 km) 1905 event
was won by Mr. J. S. Napier in his Arrol Johnson car, ahead of 40 competitors.
At the Blackpool Speed Trial in 1906 she broke the Women's World Speed Record by recording a speed of 90.88 mi/h (146.25 km/h) over a flying kilometre, driving the 100 hp (74.6 kW) development of the Napier K5-L48. She was described as "the fastest girl on Earth". She also set the Ladies' Record at the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hillclimb in a 50 hp Napier (7790 cc), making the climb in 92.4 seconds, 12 seconds faster than the male winner and around three minutes faster than the previous record set by Miss Larkins and sixth fastest overall. Her record stood until 1913.
In 1907 the newly opened Brooklands
circuit would not accept her entry, even though she was vouchsafed by S. F. Edge, and it continued to reject women drivers until 1908. Thus she set her sights on Europe. In October she won her class in the Gaillon
Hillclimb in France, driving a 40 hp 6-cylinder Napier.'Women Drivers' thread on The Nostalgia Forum at Autosport
Additionally she is reported to have finished second in the Bexhill on Sea Speed Trial along the sea front.
Her 1908 schedule was hectic and successful. In June she drove a 45 hp Napier to win a silver plaque in the Prinz Heinrich Trophy at the Herkomer Trophy Trial
in Germany. In July her 60 hp Napier was second fastest of over 50 competitors at the Aston Clinton
Hill Climb
in Buckinghamshire. In August she competed at La Cote du Calvaire hill climb at Trouville
in France.
She was effectively both a works driver and publicist for Napier cars, which was owned by Selwyn Edge, whose mistress she was for a time.
in Ireland. She achieved 19.3 mi/h in a 40 feet (12.2 m) steel-hulled, Napier
speedboat fitted with a 3-blade propeller, owned by Selwyn Edge
. S. F. Edge was both the owner and entrant of the boat, and thus "S. F. Edge" is engraved on the trophy as the winner. The third crew member, Campbell Muir, may also have taken the controls.
School of Aviation at Châlons Camp Mourmelon-le-Grand
, between Châlons-en-Champagne
and Rheims in France.
She attended along with Marie Marvingt
and Baroness Raymonde de Laroche
, the only woman ever licensed in the difficult to fly Antoinette monoplane. Dorothy became a member of The Aero Club of the United Kingdom in January 1910, and was booked to give a talk at the Criterion Restaurant on Thursday, 3 March 1910 about her experiences learning to fly.Flight Global Archive. Entries for Dorothy Levitt in 1909–1910. Image of Levitt et al, at 'Chalons Camp' 1909. Nothing else is currently known.
for Women Who Motor or Want to Motor, based on her newspaper column
in The Graphic
. She also gave many lectures to encourage women to take up motoring.
Dorothy Levitt tried to counter the clichés about mechanically ignorant females:
Her book contained many tips, including carrying a ladies hand mirror, to "occasionally hold up to see what is behind you". Thus she can be said to have pioneered the rear view mirror seven years before it was adopted by manufacturers.
. She was said to have driven at a "terrific pace" and, when stopped, apparently "said she would like to drive over every policeman and wished she had run over the sergeant and killed him". Although she did not appear personally, the magistrate, Mr Denman, fined her £5 with 2s costs. The other six motoring defendants that day were only fined £2 plus costs.
In about 1903, Dorothy Levitt and her friend Hena Frankton claimed damages against a GPO
van driver who had hit their car. They received compensation of £35.Historic Racing, Review of 1903 Court cases.
Excerpts from The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor by Dorothy Levitt, c. 1907.
Motoring is a pastime for women; young, middle-aged and – if there are any – old. There may be pleasure in being whirled around the country by your friends and relatives, or in a car driven by your chauffeur; but the real, the intense pleasure comes only when you drive you own car.
The Car – There are scores of makes, good, bad and indifferent. I tried many cars and have come to the conclusion that the De Dion is the ideal, single cylinder car for a woman to drive. The single cylinder car is the most economical to run. The horse-power
is usually 8 h.p. or less. As regards carriage work, the Victoria type of body has the most graceful lines. Such a car as I have described will cost, new, from 230 pounds. The price however is for the car itself, accessories bring up the cost.
Starting a Car – In the front you will notice a handle. Push it inwards until you feel it fit into a notch, then pull it sharply, releasing your hold of the handle the minute you feel you have pulled it over the resisting point. On no account press down on the handle, always pull it upwards smartly. It if is pressed down the possibility of backfire is greater – and a broken arm may result.
Changing Speed – In changing speed always remember to throttle slightly. Never change from first to top speed without using the intermediate speed. The first speed on these little cars is 0–9 miles an hour, the second is 9–18 and the top is 18–28. I should advise you to thoroughly get used to the steering while on second speed. Bear in mind that when riding or driving a horse, it is only partly under your control, as it has a brain. With a motor-car, you are on your own.
The Mirror – The mirror should be fairly large to be really useful and it is better to have one with a handle. Just before starting take the glass out of the little drawer and put it into the little flap pocket of the car. You will find it useful to have handy, not only for personal use, but to occasionally hold up to see what is behind you.
Motor Manners – Pedestrians, according to the law, practically own the highways. Dogs, chickens and other domestic animals at large are not pedestrians, and if one is driving at regular speed one is not responsible for their untimely end.
It is advisable to drive slowly through town and villages and especially school houses. Drive slowly past anyone driving or riding a horse and if a lady or child is on top, stop the engine. It is an act of courtesy. Do not fail to sound the hooter and slacken speed when coming to a cross road. Never take a sharp corner at full speed. Never drive the engine downhill. Do not leave the engine running when stopping outside a house.
What to Wear – An all important question is dress. With an open car, neatness and comfort are essential. Under no circumstance wear lace or fluffy adjuncts to your toilet. There is nothing like a thick frieze, homespun or tweed coat lined with fur. Do not heed the cry, 'nothing like leather.' Leather coats do not wear gracefully. One of the most important articles of wear is a scarf or muffler for the neck. Regarding gloves – never wear woollen gloves, but gloves made of good soft kid. You will find room for these gloves in the little drawer under the seat of the car. It is not advisable to wear rings. Indispensable to the motorist is the 'overall,' this should be made of butcher blue linen in the same shape as an artist's overall.
granted to her sister Elsie on 27 Sept 1922 and death registration. She is recorded as Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt and Dorothy E Levi. Her estate was valued at £224 2s 5d (about £4,750 at 2010 valuation).England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations),1861–1941 about Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt 1922Dorothy Levitt's Probate notification – 17 May 1922
Land speed record
The land speed record is the highest speed achieved by a wheeled vehicle on land. There is no single body for validation and regulation; in practice the Category C flying start regulations are used, officiated by regional or national organizations under the auspices of the Fédération...
, motoring writer, journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
and activist. In 1905 she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton was a French automobile manufacturer and railcar manufacturer operating from 1883 to 1932. The company was founded by the Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion, Georges Bouton and his brother-in-law Charles Trépardoux....
from London to Liverpool and back. In 1906 she broke the women's world speed record in a speed trial in Blackpool, and was described as "the fastest girl on Earth".
Her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, noted that women should "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic", thus inventing the rear view mirror before it was introduced by manufacturers in 1914.
Early life
Dorothy's family origins are uncertain; she was probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, or possibly Elizabeth Levi, Elizabeth Levit, or Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt. She was probably born in HackneyHackney District (Metropolis)
Hackney was a local government district within the metropolitan area of London, England from 1855 to 1894. It was formed by the Metropolis Management Act 1855 and was governed by the Hackney District Board of Works, which consisted of elected vestrymen. It was in the part of the county of Middlesex...
in 1882 as a Sephardi Jew
Sephardi Jews
Sephardi Jews is a general term referring to the descendants of the Jews who lived in the Iberian Peninsula before their expulsion in the Spanish Inquisition. It can also refer to those who use a Sephardic style of liturgy or would otherwise define themselves in terms of the Jewish customs and...
.
Dorothy was probably the daughter of Jacob Levi, a Jewish tea
Tea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by adding cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to hot water. The term also refers to the plant itself. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world...
dealer or a Commission Agent of Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, who, according to the 1891 census, was born in Aldgate
Aldgate
Aldgate was the eastern most gateway through London Wall leading from the City of London to Whitechapel and the east end of London. Aldgate gives its name to a ward of the City...
, London in about 1851. Jacob had apparently anglicised his name to John Levit by the 1901 census.
Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, (probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, c. 1882, probably died 18 May 1922) was a motorina and sporting motoriste of the early 20th century. On 4 July 1903 she was reported as the first woman ever to compete in a motor race. Levitt was a renowned pioneer of female independence, female motoring, motor racing, the most successful female competitor in Great Britain, victorious speedboat driver, holder of the Ladies World Land speed record
Land speed record
The land speed record is the highest speed achieved by a wheeled vehicle on land. There is no single body for validation and regulation; in practice the Category C flying start regulations are used, officiated by regional or national organizations under the auspices of the Fédération...
,Women in Motorsport – Timeline motoring writer, journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
and activist. In 1905 she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton was a French automobile manufacturer and railcar manufacturer operating from 1883 to 1932. The company was founded by the Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion, Georges Bouton and his brother-in-law Charles Trépardoux....
from London to Liverpool and back. In 1906 she broke the women's world speed record in a speed trial in Blackpool, and was described as "the fastest girl on Earth".
Her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, noted that women should "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic", thus inventing the rear view mirror before it was introduced by manufacturers in 1914.
Early life
Dorothy's family origins are uncertain; she was probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, or possibly Elizabeth Levi,Radnorian Blog – Addressing Motoring, culture and history of Radnorshire Elizabeth Levit, or Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt. She was probably born in HackneyHackney District (Metropolis)
Hackney was a local government district within the metropolitan area of London, England from 1855 to 1894. It was formed by the Metropolis Management Act 1855 and was governed by the Hackney District Board of Works, which consisted of elected vestrymen. It was in the part of the county of Middlesex...
in 1882 as a Sephardi Jew
Sephardi Jews
Sephardi Jews is a general term referring to the descendants of the Jews who lived in the Iberian Peninsula before their expulsion in the Spanish Inquisition. It can also refer to those who use a Sephardic style of liturgy or would otherwise define themselves in terms of the Jewish customs and...
.
Dorothy was probably the daughter of Jacob Levi, a Jewish tea
Tea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by adding cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to hot water. The term also refers to the plant itself. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world...
dealer or a Commission Agent of Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, who, according to the 1891 census, was born in Aldgate
Aldgate
Aldgate was the eastern most gateway through London Wall leading from the City of London to Whitechapel and the east end of London. Aldgate gives its name to a ward of the City...
, London in about 1851. Jacob had apparently anglicised his name to John Levit by the 1901 census.
Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, (probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, c. 1882, probably died 18 May 1922) was a motorina and sporting motoriste of the early 20th century. On 4 July 1903 she was reported as the first woman ever to compete in a motor race. Levitt was a renowned pioneer of female independence, female motoring, motor racing, the most successful female competitor in Great Britain, victorious speedboat driver, holder of the Ladies World Land speed record
Land speed record
The land speed record is the highest speed achieved by a wheeled vehicle on land. There is no single body for validation and regulation; in practice the Category C flying start regulations are used, officiated by regional or national organizations under the auspices of the Fédération...
,Women in Motorsport – Timeline motoring writer, journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
and activist. In 1905 she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton was a French automobile manufacturer and railcar manufacturer operating from 1883 to 1932. The company was founded by the Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion, Georges Bouton and his brother-in-law Charles Trépardoux....
from London to Liverpool and back. In 1906 she broke the women's world speed record in a speed trial in Blackpool, and was described as "the fastest girl on Earth".
Her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, noted that women should "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic", thus inventing the rear view mirror before it was introduced by manufacturers in 1914.
Early life
Dorothy's family origins are uncertain; she was probably born Dorothy Elizabeth Levi, or possibly Elizabeth Levi,Radnorian Blog – Addressing Motoring, culture and history of Radnorshire Elizabeth Levit, or Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt. She was probably born in HackneyHackney District (Metropolis)
Hackney was a local government district within the metropolitan area of London, England from 1855 to 1894. It was formed by the Metropolis Management Act 1855 and was governed by the Hackney District Board of Works, which consisted of elected vestrymen. It was in the part of the county of Middlesex...
in 1882 as a Sephardi Jew
Sephardi Jews
Sephardi Jews is a general term referring to the descendants of the Jews who lived in the Iberian Peninsula before their expulsion in the Spanish Inquisition. It can also refer to those who use a Sephardic style of liturgy or would otherwise define themselves in terms of the Jewish customs and...
.
Dorothy was probably the daughter of Jacob Levi, a Jewish tea
Tea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by adding cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to hot water. The term also refers to the plant itself. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world...
dealer or a Commission Agent of Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, who, according to the 1891 census, was born in Aldgate
Aldgate
Aldgate was the eastern most gateway through London Wall leading from the City of London to Whitechapel and the east end of London. Aldgate gives its name to a ward of the City...
, London in about 1851. Jacob had apparently anglicised his name to John Levit by the 1901 census. Dorothy's mother was probably born Julia Raphael in Aldgate 31 Oct 1856 (or possibly 1858), married Jacob Levi in the Seyds Hotel Finsbury in March 1877 and died in 1942.1881 Census1891 Census1901 Census1911 Census
Her paternal grandparents were probably Leman (Lemon) Levi (b.Portsmouth 1804 - d.1895) a Jeweller of 18 Colvestone Crescent, Hackney, London, who married Elizabeth Meyers (1816-1893) in the Great Synagogue Whitechapel in 1833. They had 10 children including Dorothy's father Jacob (who also used the name Jack & John). Dorothy's maternal grandparents were Joseph Raphael (b.1807 Portsmouth, d.7 Nov 1893, London), and Elizabeth Sewill (b.1818 in Liverpool, d.1897 in London).Sefardies Genealogy. Julia Raphael
Dorothy probably had two sisters, Lilly, (b.6 March 1878, London, d.8 April 1879); and Elsie Ruby Levi/Levitt, who was born in 1892 in Islington
Islington
Islington is a neighbourhood in Greater London, England and forms the central district of the London Borough of Islington. It is a district of Inner London, spanning from Islington High Street to Highbury Fields, encompassing the area around the busy Upper Street...
, married Mark Solomon Clarence Lewis in Willesden
Willesden
Willesden is an area in North West London which forms part of the London Borough of Brent. It is situated 5 miles north west of Charing Cross...
in 1917, and died in Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
in 1959 (or 1963).
Before her recognition for motoring Levitt was reportedly a noted horse-rider.The car and British society: class, gender and motoring, 1896-1939 By Sean O'Connell Everywoman's Encyclopedia reports that S.F. Edge, the owner of Napier Cars, advised her to enter the automobile profession, and after six months she understood the mechanism of a car. Dorothy was originally employed as a secretary at the Napier & Son
Napier & Son
D. Napier & Son Limited was a British engine and pre-Great War automobile manufacturer and one of the most important aircraft engine manufacturers in the early to mid-20th century...
works in Vine Street Lambeth
Lambeth
Lambeth is a district of south London, England, and part of the London Borough of Lambeth. It is situated southeast of Charing Cross.-Toponymy:...
.
In 1913 Dorothy was living at Portman Mansions, Chiltern Street, in Marylebone (according to the telephone directory).
Pioneer feminist and female motorist
In the book The car and British society: class, gender and motoring, 1896-1939, Sean O'Connell described Levitt as 'arguably the best known of the early women drivers' in an age when male prejudices against women drivers were typified by a 1905 item in AutocarAutocar
Autocar is a weekly British automobile magazine published by Haymarket Motoring Publications Ltd. It refers to itself as "The World's oldest car magazine".-History:...
which opined the hope that 'the controlling of motor cars will be wrested from the hands of ... these would be men'. Thus the preface to the first edition of her book The Woman and the Car: A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor, stated that :
She was described as 'slight in nature, shy and shrinking, almost timid. Her book went on to state that [there might] be pleasure in being whisked around the country by your friends and relatives, or ... chauffeur, but the real intense pleasure only comes when you drive your own car.
Both Levitt's book and newspaper column in The Graphic
The Graphic
The Graphic was a British weekly illustrated newspaper, first published on 4 December 1869 by William Luson Thomas's company Illustrated Newspapers Limited....
described her atypical lifestyle for the Edwardian era, an independent, privileged, 'bachelor girl', living with friends in the 'West End' of London and waited on by two servants.
Sporting motoring
Selwyn Edge
Selwyn Francis Edge was an Australian businessman, racing driver, and record-breaker. He is principally associated with selling and racing De Dion-Bouton, Gladiator; Clemént-Panhard, Napier and AC cars.-Personal life:...
12 hp Gladiator
Gladiator Cycle Company
The Gladiator Cycle Company was a French manufacturer of bicycles, motorcycles and cars based in Le Pré-Saint-Gervais, Seine.Throughout its productive life from 1891 until its demise in 1920 the company was variously owned by the founders Alexandre Darracq and Paul Aucoq; from 1896 by Adolphe...
, shocking British society
History of British society
The social history of England evidences many social changes over the centuries. These major social changes have affected England both internally and in its relationship with other nations...
as she was the first woman, a working secretary, to compete in a motor race. She became noted for racing in a dust coat
Duster (clothing)
A duster is a light, loose-fitting long coat.The original dusters were full-length, light-colored canvas or linen coats worn by horsemen to protect their clothing from trail dust. These dusters were typically slit up the back to hip level for ease of wear on horseback and were the recommended...
(a loose coverall coat reaching down to the ankles), matching hat and veil. On 25 July 1903 at the Sun-Rise Hill Climb near Edgehill
Edgehill
Edgehill or Edghill may refer to:*Edgehill College, an independent school situated in Bideford, Devon, England*Edgehill, Virginia, an unincorporated community in the United States*Ella Mary Edghill, British translator...
in Warwickshire
Warwickshire
Warwickshire is a landlocked non-metropolitan county in the West Midlands region of England. The county town is Warwick, although the largest town is Nuneaton. The county is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare...
she was the official passenger of S.F. Edge because her Gladiator was a non-starter. In 1903 she was reportedly the first woman driver to win an automobile race at Cowes
Cowes
Cowes is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight. Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east Bank...
on the Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a county and the largest island of England, located in the English Channel, on average about 2–4 miles off the south coast of the county of Hampshire, separated from the mainland by a strait called the Solent...
.
In 1904 Dorothy Levitt raced an officially entered De Dion
De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton was a French automobile manufacturer and railcar manufacturer operating from 1883 to 1932. The company was founded by the Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion, Georges Bouton and his brother-in-law Charles Trépardoux....
car in the Hereford 1000 miles (1,609.3 km) trial. Only mechanical problems
Mechanical Problems
Mechanics is a text traditionally attributed to Aristotle, though his authorship of it is disputed. Thomas Winter has suggested that the author was Archytas....
on the final day, which she repaired herself,Profile of Dorothy Levitt at Google Books – Women and the Machine by Julie Wosk
prevented her from winning a gold medal.
In March 1905 Levitt established a new record for the "longest drive achieved by a lady driver". She drove a De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton was a French automobile manufacturer and railcar manufacturer operating from 1883 to 1932. The company was founded by the Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion, Georges Bouton and his brother-in-law Charles Trépardoux....
from London to Liverpool and back in two days, without the aid of a mechanic but accompanied by an official observer, her pet Pomerainian dog
Pomeranian (dog)
The Pomeranian is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe . Classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size, the Pomeranian is descended from the larger Spitz type dogs, specifically the German Spitz...
Dodo, plus a revolver. At 07:00 on 29 March 1905 she departed from the De-Dion showroom in Great Marlborough Street
Great Marlborough Street
Great Marlborough Street runs west to east through the western part of Soho in London. At its western end it joins Regent Street. Streets intersecting, or meeting with, Great Marlborough Street are, from west to east, Kingly Street, Argyll Street, Carnaby Street, and Poland Street...
London, and arrived at the Adelphi Hotel
Adelphi Hotel
The Adelphi Hotel was a hotel based in the city centre of Sheffield, England. It was notable for the founding of three major sports teams; Yorkshire County Cricket Club , Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United...
in Liverpool at 18:10, having completed the 205 miles in a little over 11 hours. (Liverpool was the home of her maternal grandmother.)
In 1905 Levitt drove an 80 hp (or 100 hp) Napier at the inaugural Brighton Speed Trials
Brighton Speed Trials
The Brighton Speed Trials, in full The Brighton National Speed Trials, is commonly held to be the oldest running motor race. The first race was held July 19–22, 1905 after Sir Harry Preston persuaded Brighton town council to tarmac the surface of the road adjacent to the beach between the Palace...
, winning both her class and the Autocar Challenge Trophy
Autocar
Autocar is a weekly British automobile magazine published by Haymarket Motoring Publications Ltd. It refers to itself as "The World's oldest car magazine".-History:...
. She also drove a 100 hp (74.6 kW) development of the Napier K5
Napier & Son
D. Napier & Son Limited was a British engine and pre-Great War automobile manufacturer and one of the most important aircraft engine manufacturers in the early to mid-20th century...
at the Blackpool Speed Trials.Hull, Peter G. "Napier: The Stradivarius of the Road", in Northey, Tom, ed. The World of Automobiles (London: Orbis, 1974), Volume 13, p.1483.Georgano, G.N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985). A works drive in a French Mors
Mors (automobile)
The Mors automobile factory was an early French car manufacturer. It was one of the first to take part in automobile racing, beginning in 1897, due to the belief of the company founder, Émile Mors, in racing's technical and promotional benefits...
in the inaugural RAC Tourist Trophy
RAC Tourist Trophy
The International Tourist Trophy is an award given by the Royal Automobile Club and awarded semi-annually to the winners of a selected motor racing event each year in the United Kingdom. It was first awarded in 1905 and continues to be awarded to this day, making it the longest lasting trophy in...
Race on the Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
had been prohibited by Selwyn Edge in order to protect the reputation of his Napier marquee. Ironically the 208 miles (334.7 km) 1905 event
1905 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (automobiles)
-1905 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy final standings:Sep 1905 6 Laps Highlands Course....
was won by Mr. J. S. Napier in his Arrol Johnson car, ahead of 40 competitors.
At the Blackpool Speed Trial in 1906 she broke the Women's World Speed Record by recording a speed of 90.88 mi/h (146.25 km/h) over a flying kilometre, driving the 100 hp (74.6 kW) development of the Napier K5-L48. She was described as "the fastest girl on Earth". She also set the Ladies' Record at the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hillclimb in a 50 hp Napier (7790 cc), making the climb in 92.4 seconds, 12 seconds faster than the male winner and around three minutes faster than the previous record set by Miss Larkins and sixth fastest overall. Her record stood until 1913.
Brooklands
Brooklands was a motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907, and was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue, as well as one of Britain's first airfields...
circuit would not accept her entry, even though she was vouchsafed by S. F. Edge, and it continued to reject women drivers until 1908. Thus she set her sights on Europe. In October she won her class in the Gaillon
Gaillon
Gaillon is a commune in the Eure department in northern France.-History:The origins of Gaillon are not really known. In 892, Rollo, a Viking chief, might have ravaged Gaillon and the region, before he became the first prince of the Normans and count of Rouen in 911.The Gaillon history did begin,...
Hillclimb in France, driving a 40 hp 6-cylinder Napier.'Women Drivers' thread on The Nostalgia Forum at Autosport
Additionally she is reported to have finished second in the Bexhill on Sea Speed Trial along the sea front.
Her 1908 schedule was hectic and successful. In June she drove a 45 hp Napier to win a silver plaque in the Prinz Heinrich Trophy at the Herkomer Trophy Trial
Rallying
Rallying, also known as rally racing, is a form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars...
in Germany. In July her 60 hp Napier was second fastest of over 50 competitors at the Aston Clinton
Aston Clinton
Aston Clinton is a village and civil parish close to the main A41 road in Buckinghamshire, England between Tring and Aylesbury. The parish covers and is about east of Aylesbury. The village is at the foot of the chalk escarpment of the Chiltern Hills at the junction of the pre-historic track the...
Hill Climb
Hillclimbing
Hillclimbing is a branch of motorsport in which drivers compete against the clock to complete an uphill course....
in Buckinghamshire. In August she competed at La Cote du Calvaire hill climb at Trouville
Trouville
Trouville is the name or part of the name of several communes of Normandy, France:* Trouville, in the Seine-Maritime department* Trouville-sur-Mer, in the Calvados department, arguably the most famous of these communes, and commonly referred to as Trouville* Trouville-la-Haule, in the Eure department...
in France.
She was effectively both a works driver and publicist for Napier cars, which was owned by Selwyn Edge, whose mistress she was for a time.
Motor yachting
In 1903 Dorothy Levitt won the inaugural British International Harmsworth Trophy for speedboats at Cork HarbourCork Harbour
Cork Harbour is a natural harbour and river estuary at the mouth of the River Lee in County Cork, Ireland. It is one of several which lay claim to the title of "second largest natural harbour in the world by navigational area" . Other contenders include Halifax Harbour in Canada, and Poole Harbour...
in Ireland. She achieved 19.3 mi/h in a 40 feet (12.2 m) steel-hulled, Napier
Napier & Son
D. Napier & Son Limited was a British engine and pre-Great War automobile manufacturer and one of the most important aircraft engine manufacturers in the early to mid-20th century...
speedboat fitted with a 3-blade propeller, owned by Selwyn Edge
Selwyn Edge
Selwyn Francis Edge was an Australian businessman, racing driver, and record-breaker. He is principally associated with selling and racing De Dion-Bouton, Gladiator; Clemént-Panhard, Napier and AC cars.-Personal life:...
. S. F. Edge was both the owner and entrant of the boat, and thus "S. F. Edge" is engraved on the trophy as the winner. The third crew member, Campbell Muir, may also have taken the controls.
Pioneering aviation
In 1909 Dorothy Levitt attempted to qualify as a pilot at the Hubert LathamHubert Latham
Arthur Charles Hubert Latham was a French aviation pioneer. He was the first person to attempt to cross the English Channel in an aeroplane...
School of Aviation at Châlons Camp Mourmelon-le-Grand
Mourmelon-le-Grand
Mourmelon-le-Grand is a commune in the Marne department in north-eastern France.-Camp Châlons:'Camp Châlons' is a military camp of circa 10,000 hectares nearby Mourmelon-le-Grand...
, between Châlons-en-Champagne
Châlons-en-Champagne
Châlons-en-Champagne is a city in France. It is the capital of both the department of Marne and the region of Champagne-Ardenne, despite being only a quarter the size of the city of Reims....
and Rheims in France.
She attended along with Marie Marvingt
Marie Marvingt
Marie Marvingt was a French athlete, mountaineer, and aviator, and the most decorated woman in the history of France. She won numerous prizes for her sporting achievements and was the first woman to climb many of the peaks in the French and Swiss Alps...
and Baroness Raymonde de Laroche
Raymonde de LaRoche
Raymonde de Laroche , born Elise Raymonde Deroche, was a French aviatrix and the first woman in the world to receive an aeroplane pilot's licence.-Early life:...
, the only woman ever licensed in the difficult to fly Antoinette monoplane. Dorothy became a member of The Aero Club of the United Kingdom in January 1910, and was booked to give a talk at the Criterion Restaurant on Thursday, 3 March 1910 about her experiences learning to fly.Flight Global Archive. Entries for Dorothy Levitt in 1909–1910. Image of Levitt et al, at 'Chalons Camp' 1909. Nothing else is currently known.
Journalism
She became the leading exponent of a woman's "right to motor" and in 1909 published The Woman and the Car: A Chatty Little Hand BookHandbook
A handbook is a type of reference work, or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference .A handbook is sometimes referred to as a vade mecum or pocket reference that is intended to be carried at all times.Handbooks may deal with any topic, and are generally...
for Women Who Motor or Want to Motor, based on her newspaper column
Columnist
A columnist is a journalist who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions. Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs....
in The Graphic
The Graphic
The Graphic was a British weekly illustrated newspaper, first published on 4 December 1869 by William Luson Thomas's company Illustrated Newspapers Limited....
. She also gave many lectures to encourage women to take up motoring.
Dorothy Levitt tried to counter the clichés about mechanically ignorant females:
Her book contained many tips, including carrying a ladies hand mirror, to "occasionally hold up to see what is behind you". Thus she can be said to have pioneered the rear view mirror seven years before it was adopted by manufacturers.
Court appearances
On 6 November 1903, she was summonsed to appear at Marlborough Street Assizes for speeding in Hyde ParkHyde Park, London
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, United Kingdom, and one of the Royal Parks of London, famous for its Speakers' Corner.The park is divided in two by the Serpentine...
. She was said to have driven at a "terrific pace" and, when stopped, apparently "said she would like to drive over every policeman and wished she had run over the sergeant and killed him". Although she did not appear personally, the magistrate, Mr Denman, fined her £5 with 2s costs. The other six motoring defendants that day were only fined £2 plus costs.
In about 1903, Dorothy Levitt and her friend Hena Frankton claimed damages against a GPO
General Post Office
General Post Office is the name of the British postal system from 1660 until 1969.General Post Office may also refer to:* General Post Office, Perth* General Post Office, Sydney* General Post Office, Melbourne* General Post Office, Brisbane...
van driver who had hit their car. They received compensation of £35.Historic Racing, Review of 1903 Court cases.
Pioneering Motoring
Motoring is a pastime for women; young, middle-aged and – if there are any – old. There may be pleasure in being whirled around the country by your friends and relatives, or in a car driven by your chauffeur; but the real, the intense pleasure comes only when you drive you own car.
The Car – There are scores of makes, good, bad and indifferent. I tried many cars and have come to the conclusion that the De Dion is the ideal, single cylinder car for a woman to drive. The single cylinder car is the most economical to run. The horse-power
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
is usually 8 h.p. or less. As regards carriage work, the Victoria type of body has the most graceful lines. Such a car as I have described will cost, new, from 230 pounds. The price however is for the car itself, accessories bring up the cost.
Starting a Car – In the front you will notice a handle. Push it inwards until you feel it fit into a notch, then pull it sharply, releasing your hold of the handle the minute you feel you have pulled it over the resisting point. On no account press down on the handle, always pull it upwards smartly. It if is pressed down the possibility of backfire is greater – and a broken arm may result.
Changing Speed – In changing speed always remember to throttle slightly. Never change from first to top speed without using the intermediate speed. The first speed on these little cars is 0–9 miles an hour, the second is 9–18 and the top is 18–28. I should advise you to thoroughly get used to the steering while on second speed. Bear in mind that when riding or driving a horse, it is only partly under your control, as it has a brain. With a motor-car, you are on your own.
The Mirror – The mirror should be fairly large to be really useful and it is better to have one with a handle. Just before starting take the glass out of the little drawer and put it into the little flap pocket of the car. You will find it useful to have handy, not only for personal use, but to occasionally hold up to see what is behind you.
Motor Manners – Pedestrians, according to the law, practically own the highways. Dogs, chickens and other domestic animals at large are not pedestrians, and if one is driving at regular speed one is not responsible for their untimely end.
It is advisable to drive slowly through town and villages and especially school houses. Drive slowly past anyone driving or riding a horse and if a lady or child is on top, stop the engine. It is an act of courtesy. Do not fail to sound the hooter and slacken speed when coming to a cross road. Never take a sharp corner at full speed. Never drive the engine downhill. Do not leave the engine running when stopping outside a house.
What to Wear – An all important question is dress. With an open car, neatness and comfort are essential. Under no circumstance wear lace or fluffy adjuncts to your toilet. There is nothing like a thick frieze, homespun or tweed coat lined with fur. Do not heed the cry, 'nothing like leather.' Leather coats do not wear gracefully. One of the most important articles of wear is a scarf or muffler for the neck. Regarding gloves – never wear woollen gloves, but gloves made of good soft kid. You will find room for these gloves in the little drawer under the seat of the car. It is not advisable to wear rings. Indispensable to the motorist is the 'overall,' this should be made of butcher blue linen in the same shape as an artist's overall.
Death
Dorothy's life after 1910 is currently undocumented but she appears to have died, unmarried, on 17 May 1922 in Marylebone according to ProbateProbate
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person by resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person's property under the valid will. A probate court decides the validity of a testator's will...
granted to her sister Elsie on 27 Sept 1922 and death registration. She is recorded as Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt and Dorothy E Levi. Her estate was valued at £224 2s 5d (about £4,750 at 2010 valuation).England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations),1861–1941 about Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt 1922Dorothy Levitt's Probate notification – 17 May 1922
External links
- Dorothy Levitt in the catalogue of pictures at MPL – The Montague Motoring Museum Library
- The Fastest Girl on Earth, Article, Pictures and Video about Dorothy Levitt, by Neil OliverNeil OliverNeil Oliver is a Scottish broadcaster and author. He grew up in Ayr and Dumfries before attending Glasgow University to study archaeology...
at The One ShowThe One ShowThe One Show is a topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD, hosted by Alex Jones and Matt Baker. Chris Evans joins Jones to present the programme on Friday...
– BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff... - The Fast Girl Program notes and background about Dorothy Levitt for a BBC Radio play by Jerome Vincent.
- Profile of Dorothy Levitt at Google Books – Women and the Machine by Julie Wosk
- Extended profile of Dorothy Levitt at Google Books – Women and the Machine by Julie Wosk
- Dorothy Levitt, How to start a car, 1909
- Woman-Encyclopedia, Profile and image of Dorothy Levitt
Further reading
- The Woman and the Car – A chatty little handbook for all women who motor or who want to motor by Dorothy Levitt
- Profile of Dorothy Levitt at Google Books – Women and the Machine by Julie Wosk
- Sussex Women by Ann Kramer (published Snake River Press, 2007): includes short biography of Dorothy Levitt