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Moulton rubber archive opened to the public for the first time

News imageGetty Images Alex MoultonGetty Images
Dr Alex Moulton was a prolific inventor in his own right, dying in 2012 at the age of 92

The archives of a pioneering rubber manufacturer and inventor are to be made public for the first time.

The Moulton archive covers the business archives of Stephen Moulton, and his great-grandson Dr Alex Moulton.

Stephen's work led to the growth of the rubber industry in the UK, while Dr Alex Moulton invented the small-wheeled Moulton bicycle.

A £39,000 grant will enable archivists to catalogue their assets at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.

Stephen Moulton, an agent to Charles Goodyear, established the rubber industry in 1848 when he built a factory in the Wiltshire town of Bradford-on-Avon.

In 1891 Moulton's company merged with the London-based firm of George Spencer, becoming the George Spencer Moulton Rubber Company

Dr Alex Moulton invented the suspension systems for the first Mini cars, and his work was adapted by British Leyland for several models.

News imageWiltshire Council Alex MoultonWiltshire Council
Alex Moulton's papers will be digitised and catalogued for the public