Birthplace of tank awarded Origin Site status

TV presenter and motorbike racer Guy Martin unveiled a plaque to mark Lincoln's status as a World Origin Site

The birthplace of the tank will be marked with a plaque commemorating its status as a World Origin Site.

A replica World War One tank will be displayed in the centre of Lincoln later ahead of the unveiling ceremony.

A prototype named Little Willie was built by Fosters of Lincoln in 1915, after plans for an armoured combat vehicle were conceived at the White Hart Hotel in top secret meetings in a room now named the Tank Room.

The full-sized working replica, originally built for a Channel 4 programme presented by Guy Martin, will be parked near the hotel from 07:00 BST on Tuesday.

The Mark IV tank is usually found at the Norfolk Tank Museum, and is used in reenactments

Martin Wilkie, founder of World Origin Site, said he was "absolutely delighted" the Tank Room was being recognised.

"It's a room that changed the world of warfare forever. The tank broke the terrible stalemate of trench battle and certainly shortened the conflict," he said.

Stephen MacHaye, chair of the Norfolk Tank Museum, said it was "fitting" for the vehicle to be involved in the ceremony.

"It's an honour to play a role in this hugely significant occasion and to bring Deborah II to the founding home of the tank in Lincoln," he added.

The Mark IV tank, nicknamed Deborah II, was built by Guy Martin to celebrate the Battle of Cambrai in 2017.

A plan to drive it up Lincoln High Street as part of a Channel 4 documentary in 2017 failed because of safety concerns.

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