Forum | Musings — bicycles 1895 to 1905 (Swindon) facts and figures.

Not really Guv’ specific but something to share and ponder.…..

I live in Swindon (ooooh thats nice I hear you say :-), I borrowed a book from a workmate called ‘A Swindon Album’ by Peter Sheldon. I imagine ‘Cycling Photographer’ would like it were he to peruse said ‘slim volume’.

Any road up some facts and figures,

“…manufacturers of bicycles…1895 to 1905 [in Swindon]…

King Bros (Napolean), J. Easter (Hirondelle), James Beasant, Chapell & Co, EW Garrett, William Garrett, Eclipse Cycle Co, Henry Pullen, Swindon Electrical Eng Co and Lion Cycle works.” (Sheldon, 12:1980)

8 cycle Manufacturers.….… not shops mind, manufacturers!

Also on p 60 of same vol’ is a photograph of Swindon Amateur Bicycle Club 1907 apparently “Three years later the Town supported no less than 11 cycling clubs…” I note 3 of which had their headquarters in pubs or hotels :-)

And for anyone who laments the arrival of road signs and the proliferation of same “…the first road sign in Swindon, a warning notice of ‘Danger’ at the top of Prospect Hill was erected in 1883 at the request of the club…”

In the photo there is what appears to be a brake operated by a lever which ran parallel to the handbar, sort of 90 deg to front wheel, not sure how useful for Prospect  Hill that was.

Of the 37 members in the photo only 5 have moustaches, all bar none have flat caps.

Considered riding, less is more.

Biscuit

I also live in Swindon and it once had an industrial heritage as did most towns.

I actually own a Double barrelled shotgun that was made in Swindon around 1915. Yes,  so as well as having bicycle makers, it also had gun makers.

Regards

Mick

Subtle — thats not subtle single barreled is subtle, double is just, well, so OTT what?

Hey I live in Swindon, its ‘my’ town and I can comment as I so wish At least I do live here (14 years now) not like so many commentators on the joys of M4 corridor living.….…… Its better than Blacon was near Chester (my formative council estate). Having lived and worked in Swindon ( a significant period in the amb service) for aformentioned period  I have had an opportunity to see Swindon’s underbelly (all towns have one — or two —  just so we are clear) and its ‘joys’. There are architecural masterpieces like the mechanics institute which has sadly been left to rot — there are others. I have even visited Swindon’s art gallerey

I am more than aware of the towns industrial heritage (mainly its trains but also its place as a trading station before then) and often cycle on the route of the old long filled in canal or out to the Ridgeway on the route of the old Marlborough/Chiseldon railway.….…..

Swindon seems to be on the up (althought there doesnt seem to be a rush on to start bicycle manufacturing companies) but it has suffered at the hands of developers. And there seems to be a dearth of tweed. 

I am pinning my hopes on the latest developments in ‘cafe’ culture, road erh improvements and other bits and bobs the New Swindon co seems to be chucking money at in Swindon, where I will be able to cycle with my loved ones on my Humber or Guv’ and take in a coffee and people watch. As a cyclist though they could do a lot more (and I dont mean more cycle paths away from the road although they would nice).

Mr Parry — I do hope I havent caused offence and if I have, none was intended merely my opinion expressed. As it happens my OP was in praise of Swindon’s heritage but it has a long way to go from where it is at . Also as it happens — as a chap once said.….….….….….….….. my opinion is just that

I shall not comment re Swindon any more as I think the forum doesnt need it

TTFN