Click here to return to the main site entry page
Click here to return to the previous page

Espin's Cycles

William Ellis Espin, son of Harry and Ellen, was born in 1895 at Higham Ferrers.

He married Evelyn Austin in 1918, and their son Ivor was born in 1929.

Trading as Ellis Espin, cycle agency, at 1 Queen Street, he also made some cycles, sold spares and did repairs. The advert (below) shows he also sold wireless sets.

William died in 1965, and Evelyn in 1980. They are buried in Rushden Cemetery.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 29th March 1929

Cycles

Coventry Eagle Cycle
£4/17/6

Easy Terms
Guaranteed Perpetually

Hercules
from
£3/19/9

Ellis Espin
1 Queen Street, Rushden

The Rushden Argus March 28th 1919, transcribed by Susan Manton

Presentation–A pleasing presentation of a handsome gold watch has been made to Mr. E. Espin, of Robinson Road, by the firm and employees of Messrs. C.W. Horrell Ltd, boot manufacturers, in whose employ he has been for 20 years. Mr. Espin is leaving to commence in business for himself.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 24th January 1930

Wireless Sets on Easy Terms

Watmel Two Valve Sets
Complete £7 12s. 6d.

Chakophone Warwick Two Valve Set
Complete £8 14s. 6d.

Brownie “Dominion” Three Valve Sets
Complete £19 19s. 6d.

We have a Large Choice of Loud Speakers and Speaker Units in Stock.

Ellis Espin
1 Queen Street, Rushden

Rushden Echo & Argus, May 1935
1935 asvert

1981 advert
1981 Advert

Inside the shop in 1994
Rene & Ivor Espin in 1994

Ivor worked alondside his father in the business, and eventually took over running of the business.

In 1950 Ivor met and married Irene Matcham and she worked in the shop, whilst Ivor did repairs to cycles and mended punctures.

They kept a good stock of lamps, bulbs, batteries, tyres etc.

In September 1994 they decided to retire, and sold off the remaining stock.

1994

Eric with the Espins
The final days - Eric Fowell seeking information
Photo by Derek Savory

sale 1994
The final days - Richard Phillips and Espins
Photo by Derek Savory

Click here to return to the main index of features
Click here to return to the History index
Click here to e-mail us