Wright Bros Coaches Ltd

Although Nenthead is now a quiet village it was not always so. At the turn of the century, it was still an important centre for the lead mining industry. During the First World War, Mary Wright linked the village with the nearby market town of Alston using a pony and trap. Mary started to make a bit of money, so one of her sons, Tom, spent his gratuity from the army on a Model T Ford. In 1924 brothers George and John joined the business which was then registered, and a larger Ford was purchased. Wright Bros is perhaps best known for its 82 mile route which links Newcastle with Keswick via Hexham, Haydon Bridge, Alston and Penrith. But as the population of Nenthead declined with the rundown of the lead mining industry, so Wright's had to explore every alternative to develop the business. Based in the Cumbrian fells, it may come as some surprise that Wrights operates sleeper coaches for the music industry. Yet it is consistent with an open minded business strategy which has always enabled the family to explore new opportunities. Word of mouth recommendation has built up this side of the business meaning Wright Bros have been touring with some of the famous groups in the world.