Cycle Factory Spon Street and Crow Lane Coventry

Rudge Whitworth Cycles resulted from the merger of two bicycle manufacturers in 1894, Whitworth Cycles of Birmingham, founded by Charles Henry Pugh, and Rudge Cycle Co of Coventry, founded by Daniel Rudge of Wolverhampton. Rudge motorcycles were produced from 1911 to 1939.

The Rudge Whitworth Company is erecting a new cycle factory adjoining their present works in Coventry at a cost of over £40,000. The architects are Messrs Harrison and Hattrell, Coventry, and the general building work is being done by Mr Grey Hill of the same city. [Building News 20 July 1906 page 104]

A STEEL FRAME BUILDING - The General Works Committee have considered plan for new works,  Spon Street and Crow Lane, for the Rudge-Whitworth Cycle Company Ltd., showing a proposal to erect a steel-frame building 89 feet in height; and a letter from the architects, Messrs. Harrison and Hattrell, accepting full responsibility for the stability of the structure having regard to all the circumstances, and to the use which it intended to be applied, and also undertaking that the existing building fronting Spon Street shall not in future be let or occupied as a dwelling house. The Committee have consideration of the undertakings should the plan be approved.[Coventry Herald 28 July 1905 page 5]

RUDGE-WHITWORTH EXTENSION £35,000 PROJECT - We are informed that the directors of the Rudge-Whitworth, Ltd., have entered into contracts amounting to over £35.600 for the extension of their cycle works in Crow Lane. This sum is irrespective of the purchase of shops, houses, and land—in all more than three acres—and the contract for demolition and preparation of the ground for the foundations of the new works. The builder's contract been secured by Mr C. Gray Hill, of Coventry, the amount being £26.230, and for the steel work the tender of Messrs Gimson and Company Ltd., of Leicester, £9.000, has been accepted. The plans, which were prepared by Messrs Harrison and Hattrell, architects. Hertford Street, provide for a six-storey building 400 feet long by 60 feet in width. The works are be completed the end of January next. [Coventry Herald 25 August 1905 pg 8]

Reference    Builder 19 May 1906 Page 562
Reference    Building News 20 July 1906 page 104
Reference    Coventry Herald 28 July 1905 page 5
Reference    Coventry Herald 25 August 1905 page 8