Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a member of the Liverpool History Society, and am attempting to ascertain the validity of whether the first "Penny- farthing cycle" in the North West, was built in Gateacre/Woolton by a George Blundell b 9/10/1863 -d 2/02/1936 - Cycle maker circa 1879/1925.
I also know that he later made cycles in Prince Alfred Road, Wavertree.
I once had a testimonial to this feat, though sadly, now it is lost.
I would appreciate any information at all, nomatter how small, thank you in advance, Bill Blundell
-- Thanks, Take Care, Bill
Dear Bill,
ReplyDeleteI gleaned the information below, but there is no mention of a Liverpool link
The Penny Farthing is also referred to as the ‘High’ or ‘Ordinary’ bicycle, and the first one was invented in 1871 by British engineer, James Starley. The Penny Farthing came after the development of the ‘Hobbyhorse’, and the French ‘Velocipede’ or ‘Boneshaker’, all versions of early bikes. However, the Penny Farthing was the first really efficient bicycle, consisting of a small rear wheel and large front wheel pivoting on a simple tubular frame with tires of rubber.
Regards
Rob
Liverpool Histroy Society