Lightstrung Co. Ltd - Church Street, Rushden, Northamptonshire, UK
Posted by: 
Dragontree
N 52° 17.352 W 000° 35.985
30U E 663702 N 5795918
This blue plaque commemorates the Lightstrung Co. Ltd in the town of Rushden. It was placed here in April 2001.
Waymark Code: WMAVG6
Location: East Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/27/2011
Views: 3
The plaque reads:
'Erected by Rushden & District History Society 2000 AD
Adjacent
to this site
stood the premises of the
Lightstrung Co. Ltd,
formerly bicycle makers
1891-1970'
Rushden Research Group has some further details quoted here:
'The Lightstrung company was formed in 1886 trading in, and manufacturing pedal cycles, and later on motor-cycles. The directors were Tom, Don, and Harry Denton (presumably brothers). As well as making the products, they had a number of local retail outlets; in Wellingborough, Raunds, Irthlingborough, and further afield in Bedford, Kettering, and Luton. A business directory of 1902 records a ’Lightstrung Cycle and Engineering Works at 16 Church Street Rushden. They were fortunate as regards advertising because the factory was situated on the bus route. Therefore people came to know the factory by reason of the buses stopping there and the fact their products were advertised in the timetables.
The name originated because the bicycles were both “Light” and “Strung” (Ruzdin for ‘strong’). When the manufacture of their products ceased, the premises became a motor garage. They were agents for Morris, Wolsley, Standard and Triumph cars; sadly well known marques of yester-year. The company closed down on the 31st July 1970. An example of their craftsmanship can be seen in the Rushden Station Museum. The name lives on though as most coach tours, private and national, specify “The Lighstrung” as the pick up point.'
Blue Plaque managing agency: Rushden & District History Society
Individual Recognized: Lightstrung Co. Ltd
Physical Address:
16 Church Street (Plaque on #20)
Rushden, Northamptonshire United Kingdom
Web Address: [Web Link]
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