THE remains of a piece of Burnham’s history has been shipped out of town, following the closure of a 126-year-old business.

King and Hines in Station Road waved goodbye to its 92-year-old Daimler Tourer, which has been kept at the back of the hardware store for 50 years.

Then owner of the shop, Robert Tatlow, came by the vehicle after a former councillor’s death.

His wife Georgina Tatlow, a third generation owner of King and Hines aged 82, took over the store.

She said: “My husband was going to do it up when he retired but he sadly passed away before he could start working on it.

“A councillor in Burnham had several old cars, but when he died his family told some people to come and take them away.

“Instead, people starting coming and taking all the good bits off them and taking them for their own.

“My husband managed to stop them from doing more damage to the Daimler and he brought it to the back of the shop.”

The car stayed in the back of the shop, however it remained in disrepair.

It is believed to be one of just three ever made, with the owner of one of the remaining two being the Queen.

By 1914 Daimlers were used by royal families including those in Britain, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Japan, Spain and Greece.

The Daimler motor company was founded in 1896 and also produced aircraft engines in the First World War.

Mrs Tatlow said she knew the vehicle was unusual but she did not realise how rare it was.

She said: “It was specifically used for outings, almost in the same way as a coach, it is not a normal car.

“It has been taken to Latchingdon where it is going to be restored.

“Hopefully soon we will be able to see it again the way it used to be.”

Mrs Tatlow worked in the old-fashioned hardware shop for a total of 54 years.

It was the oldest business in the whole of Burnham but the family closed the shop last weekend.

They said modern retail habits are changing and the business could not keep up with the online market.

The departure of the Daimler and the closure of the store marks the end of an era, with the shop spanning four generations and being central to the lives of the Tatlow family.

Following King and Hines’ closure, Mrs Tatlow will move out of her home upstairs and will be moving in with a family member.

She said: “The building is going to stay a house with a shop on the bottom floor.

“I’m a bit poorly now so I have had to move out and I will find another home to live in.

“The house needs a lot doing and it is quite drafty but I do think a new business will take over and hopefully do well.”