This web site is dedicated to Mildred Mary Bruce (nee Petre) but most commonly known as The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce. During the late 1920s and early 1930s she set many world records on the land, sea and in the air.
By the time Carey Chapman bought Mrs Bruce’s house, Priory Steps in Bradford on Avon, in 1985, her name was fading fast from the history books, and Carey has dedicated much of his spare time since then to collecting memories and mementoes of her life. Shortly after Mrs Bruce’s death in 1990 Nancy Wilson, a writer from California, read of her in the obituary column of her newspaper and, amazed at what she read, vowed to find out more about this remarkable woman. After nearly 20 years of regular research trips to England Nancy’s book “Queen of Speed, the Racy Life of Mary Petre Bruce” is available at last and can be ordered through this web site.
We hope that, from an initial few pages, this web site will grow and incorporate a forum to discuss all aspect of Mrs Bruce’s full and long life, and as well as other content which enthusiasts may like to share. So if you are, for instance, from the Bentley Owners Club, A/C Club, Blackburn Aircraft or chance on the site with any other special interest connected with Mrs Bruce and would like to share your knowledge then please do email us and we would be happy to include any information you have on a page on this site.
Do please browse through the other pages where you will find a most thorough and concise newspaper obituary. Also included is Carey Chapman’s introduction to “Queen of Speed” as well as the writer's, Nancy Wilson, synopsis. We have also included a photo gallery.
We hope after visiting this site you may feel inspired to buy and read the book. Please go to the contact and order page for details of how to buy the book. UK and European enquiries to Carey and US/Canada enquiries to Nancy. Enquiries from other countries to either Nancy or Carey and we will send from whichever country has the most reasonable postage!
If you would like a review copy please email us detailing which publications you would hope to publish a review in and we will be happy to consider sending you a complimentary copy.
Please email us here if you have any other questions or comments.
Mary Petre Bruce is on Facebook! Follow her daily progress reports on her World Flight ~ as it occurred 82 years ago! http://www.facebook.com/marypetre.bruce
