Henry Wadworth’s Penny Farthing

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27.01.17 at 8:37 pm

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I found this beautiful example of a penny farthing on a tour of the Wadworth Brewery in Devises. Henry Wadworth started the brewery in 1875 after spending 6 years learning his trade in London.

Also known as a high wheeler, it has come to be one of the most iconic Victorian inventions. Its name comes from the front wheel resembling a large penny and the back wheel resembling a small farthing coin. It was gradually replaced by the so-called Safety Bicycle, which we now ride today.

Henry Wadworth was also the first man to ride London-Bath on this magnificent machine, and he did it on a steel tyres bicycle with no saddle! No wonder he had no kids to pass the business on to!

 

Penny Farthing

 

It doesn’t matter if you own a Penny Farthing, a Custom Mountain Bike or a Vintage Road Bike. Yellow Jersey can provide you with bicycle insurance to protect you from theft and accidental damage.

 

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