Remembering A Racing Legend: Sir Stirling Moss OBE

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Stirling Moss was held at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th May. A congregation of 2,100 people gathered at the Abbey to celebrate his life and remember his achievements including landmark wins at prestigious events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Mille Miglia, and the Targa Florio which solidified his status as one of the most revered figures in motorsport history.

Tributes were made during the service by Sir Jackie Stewart and Simon Taylor with a reading given by Sir Stirling Moss’s son Stirling Elliot Moss. Additional readings were given by The Duke of Richmond and Gordon and Charles Shields, and prayers were said by Derek Bell. At the start of the service Damon Hill, the racing driver’s godson, led the procession with Sir Stirling’s white helmet, ten British Racing Driving Club Gold Stars and the Monaco 1961 trophy. These were all displayed next to the High Altar during the service. The Monaco 1961 trophy is considered to be one of the most brilliant of all his 16 grand prix victories.

Some of the most famous cars piloted by Sir Stirling Moss were positioned outside of the Abbey. These included: the iconic Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘722’, a Ferguson P99 Climax, Ferrari 250 GT SWB ‘2119’, a Cooper T53 ‘ Lowline’, a Jaguar XK120 ‘JWK 651’, a O.S.C.A FS372, and a Lotus 18 “912”.

The service was a celebration of his life as a racer, friend, father, gentleman, joker, and international icon and gave the motorsport community and fans the opportunity to come together to pay tribute to the legendary Sir Stirling Moss.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Stirling competed in numerous racing disciplines, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of racing enthusiasts. As an icon of sportsmanship and dedication, Sir Stirling Moss captivated audiences with his thrilling performances on the track and his charismatic personality off it.