Gilbert, George, -1781

George Gilbert (c.1853-1915), cycle pioneer and manufacturer, was apprenticed as an art metal worker with Skidmore, but left the trade to join the Coventry Machinist Company in Old Cheylesmore when it first started making bicycles. Five years later in 1875, aged 22, he set up the Centaur Cycle Company with Edmund Mushing in West Orchard and was particularly successful in introducing a lightweight bicycle. The King of Scorchers, brought out in 1890 weighed only 26 lbs. Other inventions patented by Gilbert were the moveable saddle, detachable cranks, adjustable dustproof back wheel bearings and the Centaur patent tubular steel tricycle. In 1900 the firm started to make cars, and motorcycles were also made and continued in production after the firm was taken over by Humber in 1910. George Gilbert then farmed at Crabmill Farm in the Paradise area of Foleshill where he was born, until his death.

From the guide to the Papers of the Centaur Cycle Company, 1904-1996, (Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick Library)

Epithet: Alderman of Dublin

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000625.0x000052