Fredrick Savage and Co., King's Lynn
Fredrick Savage had a tough upbringing. Following his father's deportation to Tasmania for poaching, he started work as a farm labourer, before progressing to a career repairing and manufacturing agricultural machines. He soon spotted another application for his large steam-driven machines, using the mechanics not to drive threshing engines, but instead, carousels. Under his stewardship, the firm pioneered many new developments within the world of fairground attractions, developing larger, faster and more complex rides to captivate a growing audience, and to provide the ever-competitive showmen with more fantastical rides to dazzle and amaze! A successful ride could generate huge income with anecdotal records showing between £100 and £200 being amassed in one-penny and two-penny fares over the course of a busy day!
Savage rose to become a notable figure in his local area, serving as JP, Councillor and Mayor of King's Lynn in 1889. He was well liked and highly regarded by his compatriots and, in recognition of his contribution to his community and to the world of amusements, his statue was erected in King's Lynn in 1892.
