Research Forum

Clevedon cars
published by Marion Hollingsbee on Mon, 26/06/2017 - 21:34

I wonder if anyone is able to go to the Salthouse pub in Clevedon and see if there is a metal plaque on a wall there which advertises Stephens cars. I had a photo which a friend, who isn't local, took for me, but I have mislaid it. If someone could take a photo and email it to me I'd be grateful. I live a long way away. The cars still take part in the Veteran car race each year, being privately owned. My grandfather, Charles Abraham Palmer, worked for Richard Stephens, and we have an original mounted photo, with him driving one of the cars (steering lever, no steering wheel). I'd be so pleased if someone is able to help. marionhollingsbee@gmail.com

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Tue, 27/06/2017 - 10:57

I hope that one of our Clevedon members will be able to do this for you. I expect you have seen this website - I have to admit knowing nothing about this early car manufacturer but in looking for information about R J DRAPER for another query on this forum I came across an article about Richard STEPHENS in a booklet published by Clevedon Civic Society called "Clevedon Past". it includes reference to an article in the Autocar of 1899 and also lists all of Richard Stephen's Patents.

Submitted by Marion Hollingsbee on Tue, 27/06/2017 - 16:52

Thanks for your reply. I have the book mentioned in the link, and one of the photos in it is the one I already have, with the cars lined up outside Portishead station in 1902. I also found a newspaper cutting about an accident that happened, where a horse charabanc tried to cut in front of my Grandfather driving one of the cars in 1905. Any further information will be appreciated.

Marion

I tried to attach a photo of the cars, but it doesn't seem to have worked!

Submitted by on Fri, 30/06/2017 - 14:04

Hi I have been to Clevedon this morning and visited the Salthouse pub. I looked for the plaque you mentioned but was unable to find it, I asked the bar staff who said they had not seen it. I checked the bar area's photos and found one with Stephens Motor Cars, this was in a brass photo frame in the dining area. Would this be the same as you already have. I could send this to you but it has reflections of the room on it due to it being situated opposite the large glass windows.

Submitted by Marion Hollingsbee on Fri, 30/06/2017 - 21:23

I don't know if you received my last message, thanking you for taking the time to visit the pub.

I wait to see the photo!

Marion

Submitted by on Sat, 01/07/2017 - 15:59

Hi, I hope this works, not sure about sending photos. I have sent three to you and as you can see because of the position the photo is in and sunshine on the glass it is difficult to see, even when stood close by.