Albert Chaplin, born in a cottage in Rosemary Lane, Halstead in 1871 was first employed at Hunt's foundry in Earls Colne, where he walked daily to work a 12 hour shift starting at 6 am. He left in early 1900's to help at 57, High Street where Thomas Stapleford Bate, devoted much of his time to the sport of cycling and in the 1800's started one of the earliest businesses dedicated to making 'penny farthings'. It was not long before Albert took over the business inviting his Hunt's workmate Cecil Keeble to join him. Cecil assembled cycles which proudly bore the Chaplin and Keeble transfer on the frame costing £3 19s 6d, plus an extra £1 for a 3 speed. Albert was chiefly the shopkeeper opening at 6am and closing at 10pm.Albert is seen here at the bottom of the High Street c1930 aboard one of the firms cycles that he made himself.
To view a Morton Mathews ink drawing of the yard of 57 High Street click HERE
