Penny-farthing
Category
Carriages & other vehicles
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal
Measurements
1470 mm (H); 1620 mm (Length); 670 mm (W)
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Erddig, Wrexham
NT 1152565
Caption
This pennyfarthing bicycle was a familiar sight around Erddig before the National Trust saved the property in 1973. It was ridden all over the estate by the last private owner, Philip Yorke III (1905-78). An unusual character, Philip had never foreseen his inheriting the estate from his older brother, Simon Yorke IV. A career in the armed forces, then various employment as an overseas tour-guide, security guard and school teacher, prepared him well for the improvisation needed to take on and keep running the delapidated estate, ensuring it survived largely intact for the National Trust to restore and open in 1977.
Summary
Bicycle. A pennyfarthing bicycle, model name 'Coventry Machinist 50' Ordinary'.
Provenance
Given by Philip Yorke III (1905-1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973.