British

Today in Motorcycle History

Barnes

Geo. A. Barnes of 34, Algernon Road, Lewisham, London S.E., and 112 Prince-street, Deptford, Kent.

Motorcycles built from 1904 to 1906 by George A. Barnes .

1904 He entered the market using 2½ hp, 3hp or 3½ hp Stevens engines. A solo and a forecar with twin exhaust pipes were offered.

1905 The forecar model was available with either a 5hp water-cooled engine or a 4hp air-cooled one from MMC or Minerva. The same engine was also offered for a solo, lighter versions of which were fitted with a 2¼ hp engine.

That year they advertised that they had obtained a world record for a 50 miles standing start, and that they would appear at the Stanley Show (Stand 105).

1904-5 George Arthur Barnes was in a partnership with George Wilton, manufacturing and selling motorcycles as George A. Barnes and Co.; the partnership was dissolved on 17 August 1905.

1905 August. Partnership dissolved. '... the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, George Arthur Barnes and George Wilton, carrying on business as Motor Manufacturers and Dealers in Motors, at 112, Prince-street, Deptford, Kent, under the style or firm of "GEORGE A. BARNES AND CO.," has been dissolved by mutual consent...'

1909 ' Mr. George A. Barnes, motor engineer, Lewisham, and formerly a prominent motorcycle rider in England and on the Continent, has for some months been engaged in the construction of a monoplane on some marsh ground in the neighbourhood of Abbey Wood, near London. On Monday a trial was made. The machine left the ground, and a circuit of about one and three-quarter miles was made, lasting about two and half minutes. On coming down to earth a sudden current of wind tilted the rear of the machine up, and the front came in contact with the bank of a ditch. Mr. Barnes was able to retain his seat, but the monoplane was travelling at about forty miles an hour, the shock sprained his left wrist. He was at once released from his position, and it was then found that the woodwork was completely wrecked. Mr. Barnes claims to the first to have flown in an all-English machine.

1910 Gained his aviator's certificate No. 16 flying a Humber monoplane at Brooklands

1910 September. Accident at the 1910 Folkestone Aviation Meeting

1919 February 1st. Died of pneumonia; death registered in Rochford, Essex

Source: Graces Guide



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