Cogent Cycle Co
of Darlington St, Wolverhampton, wheel and cycle makers
1855 Returning from the Crimean War, Henry Stephen Clarke saw wooden-wheeled velocipedes in Paris. Being a wheelwright, he set up the Temple Street Wheel Co in Wolverhampton to make wooden wheels for export to France.
1868 Clarke founded the Cogent Cycle Co in Darlington Street. Over time he was joined in the business by his five sons: Thomas Clarke, George E. Clarke, William Clarke, John Clarke, and Henry Clarke.
He helped his friend Daniel Rudge to build racing cycles at 19 Church Street, Wolverhampton, which included an improved form of wheel bearing.[1].
By 1877 'Cogent Penny Farthings' were selling at prices from £8 to £10 and the company was producing many different models. Hubs were made in two halves; when built-up these secured the spokes; also used rounded case-hardened cone bearings to reduce friction.
1887 The 'Cogent' No.20 sold for £15.10s.0d. It had ball bearings, a large front wheel to reduce vibration, and a hollow steel frame, part plated with an enamel finish.
1888 Henry Stephen Clarke died; Joseph Parker (2) took over the business on behalf of the executors. Tom Clarke moved to Manchester, where he set up the Express Cycle Co. George, William, Jack and Henry went on to form a new company, the Wearwell Cycle Co, in new premises a little further down Darlington Street. William was Managing Director of the new company which soon became one of the most important cycle manufacturers in the town.
Cogent continued for at least ten years, trading as Henry Clarke's Executors
1896 Demand for these machines increased considerably
c.1900 (?) Eventually the business was liquidated.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Henry Clarke [2]