Meet the world's oldest caravan - a mere 128 years old

Of course, we'd like to think that we do a nice line in used touring caravans West Yorkshire here at Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk), but even the oldest caravans in our range aren't quite as antiquated as one model that has recently taken pride of place at the Broadway site of the Caravan Club. That's because this particular caravan is the oldest in the world, having been made way back in 1884.

Measuring some 30 feet in length and weighing two tonnes, The Wanderer has covered tens of thousands of miles over its lifetime, since it was built by Bristol Wagon Works Company for budding 'Gentleman Gypsy', former naval officer Dr William Gordon Stables. Take a look inside, and it's clear that while the specification may differ somewhat from our own, much more recently manufactured caravans for sale in West Yorkshire, Dr Stables clearly intended to travel in style and comfort. A bookcase, china cabinet and even musical instruments all feature in its jaw-dropping interior.

In the days before the car as we now know it was even invented, let alone a common sight on the world's roads, The Wanderer was pulled by the original form of horsepower - two horses, of course, named Captain Corn-flower and Polly Pea-blossom. Decked out with black and gold paint and made from mahogany and maple wood, the influence of traditional horse-drawn Romany wagons is clear, as is the astonishing craftsmanship inside and out. Described variously as a "land yacht" and "shed on wheels", The Wanderer has a place in history as the first ever custom-built for leisure caravan, the forerunner to today's used caravans West Yorkshire.

Use of the Edwardian holiday home having ceased in 1960, it was later restored in readiness for the Caravan Club's 2007 centenary. The Wanderer was previously stored at the Motor Museum, with owner Gwilym Owen explaining that "It's had a little bit of modernisation over the years, such as new wheels and axle from a 1930s Austin and a more modern hitch, but everything else is basically the same as it was when constructed." Likening it to a garden shed on wheels, he added: "I can imagine it was very cosy in its day, especially if you tried to fit more than one person inside it."

As for The Wanderer's the future, that will now be at the Caravan Club's Cotswolds site, where its stunningly crafted exterior and all original upholstery is sure to win the admiration of a whole new generation of admirers, from historians to Caravan Club members. We're certainly among those admirers here at Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk), but alas, this one is certainly not for sale. But that's not to suggest that there aren't plenty of great caravans for sale in West Yorkshire, as anyone who has perused our current range - including used models by such popular brands as Abbey, Ace, Elddis, Sprite and Swift - can testify!  

Editor’s Note: Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.