Our History: The Wall of Death
George Smith was born in June 1908 in Newton Green, near Boxford. His parents ran the White Hart from 1921 to the early 50’s. Tornado was a motorcycle enthusiast and encountered the Wall of Death in Whitley Bay, near Newcastle, where he became a mechanic. Here he perfected his own act and September 1930, aged 22, George was taken on by a touring company and made his debut as "Tornado" Smith in Malmo, Sweden.
When George returned to the UK and met the girl of his dreams, Doris, she learned to ride as well. Then in 1933 they acquired a lion cub, "Briton", and incorporated her into the act as well, at first riding on the motorcycle handlebars and then (as she grew larger) in a sidecar.
- More information, photos and videos are available at: www.boxfordsuffolk.com/history
- Now available on Amazon: Pioneer: The Story of George "Tornado" Smith
The Wall of Death can still be seen in Boxford - Ken Fox and his team often set up and entertain the crowds in our car park. Follow this link to see them in action on their Facebook page.
