Why does it say 'FERODO' on this Coventry bridge?

Pictures, maps, memories and stories

Why does it say 'FERODO' on this Coventry bridge?

Postby dutchman » Sun Mar 19, 2017 2:35 pm

The bridge on London Road is passed by thousands of drivers every day

Image

It's passed by thousands of drivers every day - and many of them will have wondered: "What is FERODO?".

The daubings on the bridge over London Road - the A4114 - have been there for half-a-century.

The markings date back to an advertising deal between British Rail and a Derbyshire-based business, Ferodo.

The company, which made vehicle brake pads and developed the first modern brake friction materials, decided railway bridges were the best place to advertise.

The result was a handful of railway bridges around the country emblazoned with the company name.

Most were in London but Coventry , Ipswich and Stoke-on-Trent were also chosen.

The advertising deal came to an end in 1998 when Ferodo, which was founded in 1897 by Herbert Frood, was taken over by Federal Mogul.

Until recently the logos were left where they were, giving the company the best part of two decades of free advertising.

But now some, particularly ones in London, are being painted over by Network Rail.

For now, it's Coventry advertising campaign remains.

Image

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Return to Local History

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

  • Ads