Next time you're passing, Carisbrooke Road by Lukely Works, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and the stories these signs tell.
The sign reads HOWARD CAUSTON & Cº, MOTOR & GENERAL ENGINEERS AND MILLWRIGHTS
Main Picture
Howard Causton was born in Croydon on 13th April 1875 he was formerly a draughtsman in an Engineer’s business in Johannesburg, and he later became a partner in an engineer’s agency in London. He moved to Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight in early 1902 aged 27 and put £400 pounds of his own money into the business that he had taken over from Watts and Co but borrowed considerably and in late 1904 the business ceased trading. He was involved with a vacuum cleaner company, and house cleaning machines, possibly facing financial difficulties due to insufficient capital investment. This could have led to operating at a loss and eventually facing bankruptcy.
On the 28th January 1905 The Isle of Wight County Press reported that Marvins had been instructed for the sale of the business on Tuesday 14th February 1905 at 6.30 for 7pm punctually by Public Auction at Warburtons Hotel which later became Calverts
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For sale was the excellent dwelling house and the fixtures and fittings that included 5 portable engines, 5 thrashing machines, traction engine, 12 horsepower motor bus, Blacksmiths forges and a 5 ton travelling crane. Benches and vices.
One item that the public showed a great interest was the ’12h.p. motor omnibus, which has been running at times about the Island, sold for £65 very early. This is indeed very early evidence of motorized transport on the Isle of Wight.
The same year Howard Causton left the United Kingdom and emigrated to British Columbia Canada. He passed away on the 19th June 1927.
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