I found this beautiful example of a penny farthing on a tour of the Wadworth Brewery in Devises. Henry Wadworth started the brewery in 1875 after spending 6 years learning his trade in London.
Also known as a high wheeler, it has come to be one of the most iconic Victorian inventions. Its name comes from the front wheel resembling a large penny and the back wheel resembling a small farthing coin. It was gradually replaced by the so-called Safety Bicycle, which we now ride today.
Henry Wadworth was also the first man to ride London-Bath on this magnificent machine, and he did it on a steel tyres bicycle with no saddle! No wonder he had no kids to pass the business on to!
