Rushden Research Group: Espin's Cycles

Espin's Cycles

William Ellis Espin, son of Harry & 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, he kept a cycle agency at 1 Queen Street. He also made some cycles, sold spares and did repairs. The advert (right) 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

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

Rene & Ivor Espin in 1994

Ivor worked alondside his father in the business, and eventually took over the running of the business. Ivor met and married Irene Matcham in 1950, 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.