Wenlock Olympian Society

William Penny Brookes

The Society is devoted to preserving the ideals of Dr William Penny Brookes, founding father of the Modern Olympic Games.

The Society is still based in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, the beautiful home town of Dr Brookes.

It was in 1850 that the first ever Olympian Games were held here in Much Wenlock. The brainchild of Dr Brookes, the Games were originaly designed "to promote the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of the inhabitants of the Town and neighbourhood of Wenlock".

Over subsequent years this concept inspired individuals & sporting organisations throughout Europe - inspiration that no doubt made a significant contribution to the re-birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Learn more about Dr William Penny Brookes here

Wenlock Olympian Games

The Wenlock Olympian Games are still held in July each year, attracting athletes from all across the UK. The latest event, the 123rd Games, took place from the 10th to the 13th July 2009.

2009 is the Bicentenary of the birth of our founder Dr William Penny Brookes (1809 – 2009), so this year we are marking the occasion by presenting every competitor with a beautiful participation medal made by the Birmingham Mint – the oldest independent mint in the world!

V.I.P. guests at the Brookes Bicentenary Games included British Olympic medallists:

Tommy Godwin, winner of two bronze medals for cycling in 1948 team Pursuit and Individual Time Trial, manager of the GB Cycling team at the 1964 Olympics, and is a past President of the British Cycling Federation. 

Anne Packer, (now Brightwell) MBE, silver medallist in the 400m and gold medallist in the 800m at the 1964 Olympics.

Robbie Brightwell, MBE, silver medallist in the 4 x 400 relay team, and Captain of the men’s GB Olympic Team.

View results for the 2009 Games here and a selection of photos here

 Norman Wood

This web site is also a tribute to Norman Wood, former President of Wenlock Olympian Society, whose vision for wider, universal recognition of Dr William Penny Brookes' influence on Modern Olympianism remains undiminished.

Sadly Norman passed away in April 2005.

Read more about Norman Wood here

German & French Translation

Some of our pages are now available in the German & French languages. Click on the flags at the top of any page to view.