Maybray King Way in Southampton wasn't named after a lord, but rather a former mayor and MP, Horace King.

Lord Maybray-King, originally named Horace King, wasn't born with a title but achieved it through political service.

Born in 1901, King became an English teacher after graduating from King's College, London. He even obtained a PhD in literature by 1940.

(Image: Echo)

King entered politics as a Labour candidate in 1945 but wasn't successful initially. He finally became a Member of Parliament in 1950, mostly representing Labour.

The idea for Maybray King Way emerged in the 1960s as a bypass to alleviate traffic congestion in Bitterne.

There were delays in construction, however, possibly due to a transfer of responsibility between councils.


(Image: Echo)

A significant achievement came in 1965 when King became the Speaker of the House of Commons, the first person from the Labour Party to hold the prestigious position. As is tradition, he gave up his Labour affiliation for impartiality during this role.

King retired as Speaker in 1970 and received a life peerage in 1971, becoming Baron Maybray-King. He remained active in the House of Lords for several years.

Finally, in 1982, Maybray King Way was officially opened, serving as a key route for traffic flow.

(Image: Echo)

Lord Maybray-King was known for his ability to balance tradition with necessary reforms while maintaining order in the House. He passed away in 1986.

Maybray King Way has gained a reputation for having one of the busiest speed cameras in Britain, particularly in the 2010s.