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Britain By Car - A Motoring History

Created Date:

11 February 2015

Last Modified:

19 December 2023
Doncaster

W.O Bentley

The street where W.O Bentley, founder of the Bentley Motor Company, stayed in digs during his apprenticeship with the Great Northern Railway.

Location
Netherhall Road, Doncaster.

Date
1905 - 1909.

  • The engine repair shop at Doncaster, 1907, taken during the time of W.O Bentley’s apprenticeship, source: The Graphic, 9th March 1907.
    The engine repair shop at Doncaster, 1907, taken during the time of W.O Bentley’s apprenticeship, source: The Graphic, 9th March 1907.
  • The engine repair shop at Doncaster, 1907, taken during the time of W.O Bentley’s apprenticeship, source: The Graphic, 9th March 1907.

Commentary
Between 1905 and 1909, W O Bentley served what was known as a premium apprenticeship (at a cost to his family of £75 a year) at the Great Northern Railway works in Doncaster.  Starting in the fitting shop, he progressed to the foundry, and then to the engine-erecting shop.

In 1910, Walter Bentley moved back to London to complete his apprenticeship on the footplate, working out of King’s Cross Station.

Further details

  • My life & my cars, W.O.Bentley, Hutchinson, 2008

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