Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sports > Olympics > 1948
Lord Burghley in the steeplechase at Stamford Bridge
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Lord Burghley in the steeplechase at Stamford Bridge
400 metres hurdles gold medallist, Lord Burghley, at the water jump in the steeplechase at an athletics meeting at Stamford Bridge, shortly after his win at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games. David George Brownlow Cecil, 6th Marquess of Exeter (1905 - 1981), Lord Burghley was an athlete, sports official and Conservative party politician As an athlete, Burghley was a very keen practitioner who placed matchboxes on hurdles and practised knocking over the matchboxes with his lead foot without touching the hurdle. In 1927, his final year at Magdalene College, Cambridge, he amazed colleagues by sprinting around the Great Court at Trinity College in the time it took the college clock to toll 12 o clock, inspiring the scene in the film Chariots of Fire (whose character Lord Andrew Lindsay is based upon Burghley) in which Harold Abrahams accomplishes the same feat. Lord Burghley did not allow his name to be used in the film because of the inaccurate historical depiction in the movie. There was never a race upon which Harold Abrahams beat Lord Burghley in this feat as the movie depicts. Burghley is also said to have set another unusual record by racing around the upper promenade deck of the Queen Mary in 57 seconds, dressed in everyday clothes. Burghley later served as president of the Amateur Athletic Association for 40 years, president of the International Amateur Athletic Federation for 30 years and as a member of the International Olympic Committee for 48 years. He was also chairman of the Organising Committee of the 1948 Summer Olympics. Date: 1928
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14126724
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Athlete Athletes Athletics Burghley Cecil Chariots Exeter Hurdles Jump Jumping Marquess Medallist Meeting Metres Official Olympian Running Sportsman Sportsmen Stamford Steeplechase 1928 Olympians
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Film
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sport
> Athletics
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sport
> Olympics
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sports
> Olympics
> 1948
> People
> Politicians
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, Lord Burghley, the 6th Marquess of Exeter, is seen in action at the water jump during a steeplechase race at Stamford Bridge, just a short time after his triumphant victory at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games. Born as David George Brownlow Cecil in 1905, Lord Burghley was an exceptional athlete, sports official, and Conservative party politician. As a competitive athlete, Burghley was known for his unwavering dedication and innovative training methods. He would place matchboxes on hurdles and practice knocking them over with his lead foot without touching the hurdle itself. In his final year at Magdalene College, Cambridge, he left his peers in awe when he sprinted around the Great Court at Trinity College in the time it took the college clock to toll 12 o'clock. This remarkable feat inspired the scene in the iconic film "Chariots of Fire," where the character Lord Andrew Lindsay accomplishes the same feat. However, it is essential to note that Lord Burghley did not authorize the use of his name in the film due to the inaccuracies in the historical depiction of the race between him and Harold Abrahams. Burghley's athletic prowess extended beyond the track, as he also set an unusual record by racing around the upper promenade deck of the Queen Mary in 57 seconds, dressed in everyday clothes. Later in his career, Lord Burghley served esteemed roles in the sports world, including president of the Amateur Athletic Association for 40 years, president of the International Amateur Athletic Federation for 30 years, and as a member of the International Olympic Committee for 48 years. He also chaired the Organising Committee of the 1948 Summer Olympics. This photograph captures a moment in time, showcasing Lord Burghley's athletic abilities and his enduring legacy in the world of sports.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
