Lincoln Companies - W I Binks

For many Lincoln people aged over 50, W I Binks was the main cycle dealer in Lincoln.

St Benedict's Square 1894 to 1961

William Irwin Binks was born in Lincoln in 1870. He trained as a cadet in the merchant navy

About 1886 travelled to the United states to work for his uncle, Giles Ambrose Binks

Returned to England about 1891 and became a successful racing cyclist. He was elected the first secretary of the Lincoln Road Club, winning the first 50 mile race.

It was announced in the Lincolnshire Echo of 23 January 1894 that W I Binks was taking over the management of R M Wright's Water Lane cycle depot, R M Wright negotiated with a cycle manufacturer to rebrand their cycles 'Stonebow'.

William Married Rosetta Serth at Bethnal Green in about February 1894.

Binks opened his own cycle business 5 and 11 St Benedicts Square in 1894. In December 1894 Binks advertised they were selling bicycles with the names "Humber-Synyer", "Rothwell", "Quinton Scorcher" and "Endurance" at their depot at 111 High Street opposite St Mary's Guildhall.

1895 Advert

In July 1895 Binks bought the former premises of Drury, Newbold and Hill at Wellington Works, 11 St Benedict's Square.

Harlock Middleton Drury moved to premises on High Bridge, in 1906 he was adjudged bankrupt. Drury lived on Wellington Street. Bink's continued trading from 111 High Street.

1900 Advert

The acquisition of the Wellington Works allowed Binks manufacture and market the Wellington bicycle, production ended in 1904 when mass produced cycles became available.

1901 Advert

Binks also sold cars and motor cycles

The depot at 111 High Street was closed in September 1895.

November 1896 alteration were being carried to the premises at the Wellington works when gas was smelt on the upper floor. Binks used a match to light the escaping gas but gas had accumulated below the floor and there was an explosion, Mr Binks was burned on his face, hands and arms. Part of the ceiling on the floor below was brought down. A large Renault car and several bicycles were lost in the fire.

May 1900 Binks opened a showroom at 333 High Street (Whitefriars).

J O Serth, William's brother in law, joined the business in 1904, he became a partner in 1905.

William travelled to New York on RMS Carmania, departing 14th June 1913 arriving 1st July 1913

Special constable during World War One

1917 Fell off his bicycle while riding with his youngest son on Station Road Waddington, he was taken to the County Hospital.

Louis Irwin Binks, William's son joined the company in 1919.

William Irwin Binks died from the injuries sustained while cycling in 1917 in 1921

Binks store was moved to the corner of Portland Street in 1961 and finally closing in 1975.

Josiah Serth died in 1972 at the age of 96.

William Edmund Binks died in 1975, maybe the last Binks involved in W I Binks "The Cycle People".

Over 100 more posts @  https://itsaboutlincoln.blogspot.com/p/index-to-blogposts.html