The Duke of Sutherland’s Bicycle

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Date:2nd of February 1899

Description:The 1890s witnessed a huge enthusiasm for the bicycle in England. Many cycle companies were established manufacturing bicycles for men and women and, in some cases, unisex bicycles. The bicycle was extremely popular and became a fashionable mode of transport at the end of the nineteenth century.

In February 1899 Henry Wright, the Duke of Sutherland's Private Secretary, wrote to the Amulet Cycle Company about ordering a bicycle for the Duke. The London based Amulet Company was one of many short lived cycle companies established at this time. In 1897 the company produced and advertised a frame which they marketed as suitable for both ladies and gentlemen.

Wright had purchased a bicycle from Amulet himself and his letter, dated 2nd February 1899, informs the Company that ‘the Duke of Sutherland would like to have an Amulet Bicycle like mine’. He adds that the Duke was ‘slightly larger in the leg’ than he was.

Wright had told the Duke that the bicycle would cost eighteen pounds, and his letter requests ‘a specification’ from Amulet for the Duke’s bicycle. He adds that the bicycle ‘must be of the very best quality’.

To learn more about the Duke's bicycle, click on the images on the left.

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Donor ref:D593-K-1-7-45 (8/578)

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