Grace's Guide
British Industrial History
Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 146,106 pages of information and 231,598 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.
W. Shepherd and Son
From Graces Guide
of Albion Foundry, Exeter
Motor Garage - Longbrook Street.
Engineering Works and office - Albion Foundry, Longbrook Terrace, Exeter.
Established 1843.
Sometimes William Shepherd and Son
See William Shepherd and his son Robert John Shepherd
1895 Advertising as engineers and artesian well borers[1]
1898 'The Old North Gate - Memorial Ceremony [Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee].... The flagstaff, which has been prepared by Messrs. Shepherd and San, of the Albion Foundry, consists of a massive cast-iron socket standing 30ft. above the railings of the bridge, and bolted to a block of granite sunk deep into the ground in Lower North-street. The upper part is a taper flagstaff of iron with the cardinal points of the compass affixed, and pivoted to it is the ancient copper dragon originally forming the vane which stood over the old North Gate and latterly adorning the Wharfinger's office on the Quay. The surface of the vane is covered with indentations apparently caused by bullets. The five-yard Union Jack which floated from the staff during the ceremony will be hoisted on important occasions. The pole and vane have been suitably decorated by Messrs. Kingwell and Son, South-street.'[2]. Note: The flagstaff remains today, alongside the Iron Bridge, Exeter.
1899-1900 Made automobiles. 'One of the few cars made in Devon, the Shepherd had a vertical two-cylinder engine mounted transversely at the front of the frame. It was governed by cutting out one exhaust valve. The two-speed drive was by belts and pulleys. Very few were made but one still survives.'[3]
1902 May. Advertisement. 'Engineers, Artesian Well Borers, Motor Car Manufacturers'.[4]
1949 Advertisement. 'W. SHEPHERD & SON. THE LEADING WATER ENGINEERS OF THE WEST. ARTESIAN WELL BORERS. WATER SURVEY CONSULTANTS. SUMO PUMP DISTRIBUTORS. SPECIALISTS IN PUMPING INSTALLATIONS. ALBION WORKS, LONGBROOK TERRACE, EXETER. Established over 100 years. Telephone 3457'[5]