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George Langley, wife and daughter
© Bedfordshire and Luton Archives Service
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Your Story: Bedford’s Motoring Heritage |
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Wilson Bros
Frank and Robert Wilson became Bedford’s first car dealers in 1903, having started in business as electrical engineers and retailers of bicycles and motorbikes. Having tried to be car-makers (see above), in 1906 they enlarged their repair workshops, which were entered through an archway at the front in St Peter’s Street or from Lurke Street at the rear. The business passed out of the control of the Wilson brothers during the First World War, in unknown circumstances. In about 1923, they joined Charles Humphreys in Ye Black Knyghte Garage at 23 St Mary’s Street, also trading as Wilson Bros & Humphreys until after Frank Wilson’s death in 1959.
Bristowe & Co
The second garage in Bedford was opened by E Bristowe at 47 St Peter’s Street, in 1904. He offered to repair or supply any make of car, and would also hire them out. After various efforts to enlarge the premises, Bristowe sold out to David Robinson (from Cambridge) in 1932. Form this base, Robinson started a TV rental business which eventually made him a multi-millionaire, and a noted philanthropist.
George Langley
George Langley was in business at 49 Bromham Road, dealing in motor cars and motorbikes, from around 1905, perhaps in association with the Wilson brothers. By 1920 (or earlier) he had gained control of the Wilson Bros garage, which then traded as Wilsons & Langley. The business was transferred to Langley’s new garage, Morris House in Victoria Terrace, Bromham Road, in 1933. Langley’s daughter Irene was company secretary until the business was sold in the mid-1950s.
Words: Richard Wildman & Alan Crawley
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