Albert Eadie

Albert Eadie (c1850-1931), founder of the Eadie Manufacturing Co

Albert Eadie was manager of Perry's cycle department, which brought him into contact with R. W. Smith of the Rudge Co, who was responsible for the parts and fittings which Perry and Co sold to the trade.

In the early 1890s Albert Eadie and R. W. Smith formed a partnership and founded the Eadie Manufacturing Co which later became the Enfield Cycle Co at Redditch

1895 Living at Astwood House, Reddith.

1906 Living at Roxbury House, Redditch.

He was later known as "The Emperor of Redditch."

1931 April 17th. Died, of 187a Queens Gate, Kensington, and of The Thatched House, Selsey. Probate to his widow Jean Eadie.

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1931 Obituary.

Few men have done much for the development of the modern bicycle the late Mr. Albert Eadie, who passed away at his Selsey residence on Friday evening. April 17th.

For many years he had been Chairman of the great B.S.A. Company, and during his whole career he had made it firm rule that “quality” should be the first note in everything with which his name was associated.

He founded the Eadie Manufacturing Company in 1892, and “Eadie parts” became a household word in cycling till the company was absorbed by B.S.A.

The Eadie coaster hub was perhaps the most famous of all its productions, and I remember his enthusiasm when the free-wheel was introduced: indeed, it was Mr. Eadie’s powerful advocacy the free-wheel which brought it so rapidly into universal popularity. was a big man in every sense, and, although he had naturally taken less interest late years, his death is a big loss to cycling.

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1931 Obituary.

Few modern cyclists know how much they owe to Mr. Albert Eadie, who passed away at his Selsey home, on the evening of April 17th. Those cyclists whose memories back to the early days of the century will remember "Eadie parts," which built many of the finest bicycles on the road.

From them evolved the "Royal Enfield" bicycle, for which a separate company was subsequently formed.

Afterwards, the Eadie ecmpu»iy was absorbed by the great B.S.A. combination, and Mr. Eadie became managing director.

The Eadie company was formed in 1892 and, from the first, made quality its keynote. No "cheap" parts were ever produced. Mr. Eadie would have nothing but the best. The Eadie coaster hub was development of his enthusiasm for the free wheel, which was an enthusiast when many were still doubting. In the social life cycling he was active force, and his heart was ever responsive to any appeal from cyslists and cling.

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See Also

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Sources of Information

• Proceedings of the Institution of Automobile Engineers Vol 33. 1939-40