72 Chesterton Road, Cambridge

History of 72 Chesterton Road

Latest Raleigh bicycles exhibited — 9 February 1910
Through the enterprise of Mr W.J. Ison, the Cambridge public is able to see the latest developments in bicycles as exhibited at the great cycle exhibition at Olympia, London. In the windows of his depots in Chesterton Road and St John’s Street are to be seen samples of the all-steel Raleigh cycles which attained such wide fame. Doubtless many local cyclists will take the opportunity of inspecting these latest models of all that is best and most modern in the bicycle – 10 02 09c

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 10 02 09c

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1913

W J Ison

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3 April 1931 – William James Ison and the Cambridge cycle trade
A feature on cycle manufacturer William James Ison recalled the growth of one of Cambridge’s leading bicycle businesses. Beginning as a cycle dealer in Chesterton Road in 1897, Ison expanded until he operated four cycle shops and manufactured his own successful “New Chesterton” bicycles, one racing model winning more than one hundred prizes in 1908. The article also records an important King Street connection: Ison’s late wife was the sister of Fred Lawrence of the Belmont Cycle Works. This family relationship highlights the close-knit nature of Cambridge’s cycle manufacturing community during its most successful years.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge King Street Scrapbook 1897–1990, Item: 31 04 03f.

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1939

W J Ison. motor and cycle agent. Works: Montague Road

T B Smith