Winchester's Pioneer Motorist - Trust Annual Report 1981
Following the restoration of the Chernocke Place porches by the Trust, research into the occupants of the houses has revealed Winchester's hitherto unknown place in the development of motoring. In 1897 Major General Hugh Parker Montgomery (late 60th Rifles, now the Royal Green Jackets) of No. 35, Southgate Street, purchased a Coventry-built Daimler motor car and so became, according to his obituary in the Autocar magazine of January 1902, the 'first gentleman unconnected with the industry in this country to purchase an English-built motor carriage, his having been the first order from a private customer which the Daimler Company ever received.'
The car was kept in the Chernocke Place mews now occupied by Meadow House, and it seemed appropriate that a plaque commemorating British Leyland's first customer should be placed on this new building. As a result of representations by the Trust Mr. John Egan, Chairman of Jaguar Daimler Cars has kindly agreed to sponsor the plaque. The owners and architect of Meadow House have made available plans and given their approval with a number of useful suggestions on the design. The Trust hopes that this will be the first of a series of plaques placed by the Trust, in co-operation with business interests and owners, on those of Winchester's many interesting buildings not mentioned in the usual guide books.