This week’s photograph was taken in 1911 and shows the front of the establishment that belonged to Mr EJ Longman in Fisherton Street.

Ernie Longman was well known in the world of motorcycling and his shop (which was next door to the old Kings Arms Inn) conducted motorcycle repairs, sales and servicing.

The event in our photograph shows motorcycle riders who were taking part in the 1911 Annual Winter Motorcycle Run from Hounslow, London to Exeter and back, stopping at the County Hotel in Bridge Street on both the outward and return journeys.

About 100 members of the London Motorcycle Club (who were known as The Wheelers) took part and some had friends in a side-car – a good number of guest riders from around the country also took part.

Those competitors who completed the run of 322 miles in under 24 hours were awarded a gold medal. Riders who finished the run in under 30 hours received a silver medal.

Ernie Longman was also the man responsible for booking in the competitors once they arrived at the County Hotel and it was reported that “the organisation was perfect and we must accord praise to the County Hotel at Salisbury, where the hot supper overnight and the luncheon on the return journey were meals served quickly under conditions that invited appetite to those who were tired after the long journey…”

However, the compulsory stop at Salisbury was not welcomed by everyone.

“Occasionally, the noise of an approaching engine could be heard more than a quarter of a mile away and when entering Salisbury, the reverberations thrown backwards and forwards from the houses resembled the firing of a Gatling gun. After one or two machines had passed by, it was evident many of the inhabitants were awakened from sleep, as windows were opened and heads thrust out…”

 

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