Penny-farthing bicycle, c.1885 (LMILC.1987.9, purchased)
The penny-farthing was an early type of bicycle that was popular in the late nineteenth century. Its name came from two British coins, the penny being much larger than the farthing. The large wheel enabled the cyclist to travel at higher speeds, but its popularity declined with the development of safer bicycles that were easier to use.
This particular penny-farthing belonged to Robert John Todd. He lived at The Plantation and was a teacher in Brownlee Primary School, Lisburn. Robert died in 1933, aged 87. The Lisburn Standard carried the following obituary:
The deceased was a well known and popular figure about Lisburn, and was formerly a teacher in Railway Street National School, which was succeeded by Brownlee School. He retired from that position almost a quarter of a century ago. The late Mr. Todd was, for a long number of years, associated with Drumbo Presbyterian Church, of which he was the precentor, but for the last few years he was attached to Hillhall Presbyterian Church, being a member of the committee.