History of London Clarion Cycle Club

A fascinating
and unique
history

The London Clarion Cycle Club was first mentioned in the Clarion newspaper on 11th May 1895 by W.H. Crisp, who was looking for members to join the club. W.H. Crisp resided at 45 Wirtemberg Street in Clapham SW4, which was later renamed Stonhouse Street. The inaugural ride of the London Clarion Cycle Club took place on 25th May 1895 from Sydenham Station to Farnborough.

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Early days of North London Clarion Cycling Club

On 4th July 1896, the Clarion reported the formation of a North London Clarion Cycling Club, with a ride to Hatfield.

By July 1898, the HQ for the North London club had moved to the North London Socialist Club on 30 Durham Road, Finsbury Park. Later that year, a Bohemian Concert was organized by South London members at the Albion Hotel, Ludgate Circus.

In 1899, a club ride from Balham to Banstead Corner for an annual picnic at Otford was held on 18th June.

Charlie Denny

The London Olympics Summer 1908

London Clarion Cyclist and Olympic Silver Medallist — 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

Tom Oldershaw

Spanish Civil War Hero

Tom Oldershaw died in Spain fighting in the International Brigades. His death was reported in the London and Southern Counties Union magazine Boots in October 1938, he was just 24 years old.

London Clarion Cycling Club Tricycle Marathon 1960

The Tricycle Marathon

Raising awareness of the Refugee Crisis

London to Brighton on Raleigh Children's Tricycles completed in 1960 by Clarion Cyclists from Hounslow to raise awareness of the Refugee Crisis. Pathe published a short film about the ride which you can watch.

BOOTS magazine

London and Southern Counties Cycling Union

BOOTS was produced by the London and Southern Counties Cycling Union in the 1930s and 1940s. We have seven copies which you can now read online.

Middlesex Clarion Cycling and Athletics Club

Middlesex Clarion Cycling and Athletics Club was started on 10th December 1948 as a racing club and was very strong in the 1950s to 1970s. Their club badge shown is very distinctive.