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This green commemorative plaque records: Swift Quinton Works. Originally the office block of S. & B. Gorton's Cycle Works, built in 1890 (Quinton Cycle Company 1891, New Beeston Cycle Company 1896). Under the motor entrepreneur, Harry J. Lawson, the latter company produced a 11/4 - hp motor tricycle here in August 1896, the only British-built entry in the London to Brighton 'Emancipation Run' that November. Along with the Daimler wagonettes assembled at the 'Motor Mills' in 1896, it marks the birth of the British Motor Industry in Coventry. As the Beeston Motor Company, the firm produced cars commercially from 1897-1900. The building then became Rademaker's Chocolate Factory until 1905 and the Swift Motor Company Works until 1931. It was restored and adapted for use as an hotel in 1998-99. Recorded plaque organisation: Coventry City Council.
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