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Hercules

Birmingham · 1910 · Raleigh from 1960

The Science Museum Group credits Sir Edmund Crane with founding Hercules in Birmingham in 1910; Grace's Guide names the founders as the brothers Harry and Edward Crane. It joined Tube Investments in 1946 and the British Cycle Corporation in 1956, and came under Raleigh's control from 1960.

Key facts

Founded
1910 (Sir Edmund Crane)
Based
Birmingham
Ownership
Tube Investments 1946; British Cycle Corporation 1956; Raleigh control from 1960

Hercules models

Years show the earliest and latest evidence found so far, not exact production dates.

Roadster / utility

Photos

Green Hercules gents' bicycle with a sprung saddle, upright bars and chrome mudguard stays, seen from above
The green Hercules, with Balmoral on the top tube.
Hercules head badge with a red HC monogram, reading Hercules Cycle and Motor Co, Nottingham, England
Head badge: Hercules Cycle & Motor Co, Nottingham, England.
Hercules head badge with an orange H monogram, marked Britannia Wks, Birmingham, on a black frame
Hercules head badge marked Britannia Wks, Birmingham.
Brown Hercules small-wheel folding bicycle with a white saddle, rear carrier and chrome mudguards
Brown Hercules folding bike with a rear carrier.
Hercules head badge transfer with an orange HC monogram and a small bicycle drawing, marked Nottingham England
Head badge marked Nottingham, England.
Red Hercules gents' bicycle with cream tyres, brown grips and a brown saddle
Red Hercules with cream tyres.
Round transfer with a yellow H on green, reading The Hercules Cycle and Nottingham, England, on a red tube
Hercules transfer marked Nottingham, England.

Photos: Garry Gregory. Captions say only what each photo shows. More in the photo gallery.

Sources for this brand

Last updated 19 October 2026. Every fact on this page comes from one of these.

  1. Science Museum Group collection: Hercules Cycle and Motor Company Limited 1910–2003
  2. Grace's Guide to British Industrial History: British Cycle Corporation
  3. International Cycling History Conference proceedings: Tony Hadland, 'Raleigh UK in the Last Quarter of the 20th Century'
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