Bill Douglas the Great Great Grandson of the founding member of the company gave his usual great insight into the history of this world famous Kingswood manufacturer.

However, it did not start in Kingswood but the family moved gradually south from Scotland in the 19th century. Working in the Bristol docks in 1844. A combination of working with push bikes, producing machines for shoe making in Kingswood and working with Joseph Barter’s Light Motors Ltd. eventually lead to the Kingswood Works in 1898. Great grandfather William being the driving force of the company. Only the brick built office block in Hanham Road likely to be left, very soon, of the once extensive works.

One great story from WW1, was that they won an order for 300 bikes to be used in communications at the Front. It was only pointed out later by the clerk that it was in fact 300 per month. This meant buying back bikes to meet the order in the first few months followed by erection of marquees before the factory could be built in Blackhorse Road. 75,000 bikes were finally built. At one time 5,000 people worked at the factory, as the biggest in the world.

Did you know that Douglas’s once made cars, over 400 !

The bikes were the best of class, winning many TT races on the Isle of Man amongst other achievements. This included sidecar. First to be involved in dirt track racing which today is known as Speedway.

Ideas to improve mainly came from the shop floor, including disc brakes and heated windows. These bikes became inspirations to such companies as Bosch, BMW, Messerschmitt to name but a few. Vespa scooters were made under license up to 1964, at the factory.

Alas the great grandfather outlived his sons and hence this added to the demise. He is buried at Holy Trinity Church in Kingswood.

Bill finished by saying that it was not so much Douglas but testament to the people of the Kingswood area. They weren’t engineers but were prepared to learn and create.

Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday 7th November, 7pm for 7.30 pm start.