National Cycle Museum facts for kids
The National Cycle Museum is a super interesting place in Llandrindod Wells, Wales. It's a special museum all about the history of cycling in the United Kingdom. It first opened its doors in 1997.
Contents
The Museum's Journey
How It Started
The museum has a huge collection of bicycles from different times. This collection began in 1979. A person named Ray Fixter started it near Grantham. It first opened to the public on April 26, 1980. Back then, it was called the Belton Cycle Museum.
Moving to New Homes
After Ray Fixter passed away in 1983, James Maynard, Edward Skeet, and Anthony Pickering took over. The original building was given to the National Trust. So, the museum needed a new home. It found a new spot in Lincoln and reopened there in 1984. It was then called the National Cycle Museum.
The museum moved again within Lincoln in 1994. However, it closed down in 1996.
Finding a Permanent Home
In 1997, the Welsh Tourist Board saw a great chance. They wanted to bring three different bicycle collections together. These were the collections of Tom Norton, David Higman, and the National Cycle Museum. They offered a new home in Llandrindod Wells, Powys. This is where the museum is located today.
What You Can See
The museum has more than 260 bicycles! You can see bikes from way back in 1818, like an old hobby-horse. You can also see the newest bikes made from carbon-fibre. There's a big collection of penny-farthings. These are the bikes with one very large front wheel. You'll also find solid-tyred safety bicycles. Besides bikes, the museum has many cycling books. It also displays cool accessories and other cycling items.
The Museum Building
A Historic Place
The building where the museum is located has its own interesting story. It was once known as The Automobile Palace. A bicycle shop owner named Tom Norton bought the land in 1906. He wanted to expand his business.
Building Design
The first part of the building was finished in 1911. It was built in a cool style called Art Deco. Then, in 1919, the building became three times bigger! It kept the same amazing design. This building is very special. It's listed as a Grade II* heritage building. This means it's an important historic building. It's one of the earliest buildings with a steel frame that is still mostly unchanged.
