1918, England

1920-1934 and again 1954?-1964?, Francis Cotton (Frank Willoughby Cotton ) was an English racer who developed stronger frames than the usual bicycle frames of the time. He patented, and started building and selling his triangulated cross braced frames in 1914. Around 1920 he started to manufacturer motorcycles himself. The first Cottons used 269cc Villiers engines. TT racing success in the twenties made a reputation for the company, and in its first 11 years the company turned out over 6,000 motorcycles. They used Villiers, Blackburne, Anzani and JAP engines over the years. Armstrong now owns the rights to the Cotton name