Henry Cole is a British television presenter, producer, and entrepreneur who has carved a niche for himself in the world of motorcycles, classic vehicles, and restoration projects. From his television career to his successful ventures in motorcycle manufacturing and publishing, Henry has built a reputation as a charismatic and knowledgeable figure in both the entertainment and motorbike industries. In this article, we will explore Henry Cole’s life, career, personal life, and much more.
Early Life and Background
Born in February 1964 in Norfolk, England, Henry Cole grew up with a deep interest in machines and motorcycles. As a young boy, he was surrounded by a family that fostered creativity and adventure, which naturally influenced his passions. Henry was educated at the prestigious Eton College, where he formed friendships with notable figures in the UK. Despite his academic background, it was his love for motorcycles and mechanical projects that ultimately shaped his career.
While Henry had a promising start in life, he faced his share of challenges during his early years. He struggled with heroin addiction between the ages of 19 and 24, a personal battle that he has since overcome. His experience with addiction is something that Henry speaks about openly, using it as a source of inspiration to help others who might be facing similar struggles. It was during this period that Henry also developed a love for motorcycles, which would become a central theme of his career.
Henry Cole Television Career
Henry Cole’s television career began in the late 1990s when he transitioned from being a news cameraman to a television presenter and producer. His early work as a cameraman for networks like ITV and TF1 laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry. He went on to direct and produce rockumentaries and feature films, with one of his notable works being Mad Dogs and Englishmen. However, it was his move into television presenting that made him a household name.
Henry Cole Popular TV Shows
Henry’s career took off with the launch of The Motorbike Show, which quickly became a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts. The show showcased Henry’s deep passion for motorcycles and classic vehicles, which he expertly combined with his love for travel and adventure. The series highlighted a variety of bike-related content, from custom bike builds to reviews of the best motorcycle routes in the world.
Another successful show Henry starred in is World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides, which features him traveling to various countries and exploring the best motorbike routes. His engaging personality and expert knowledge made him a hit with viewers, and the show has become a staple for motorbike lovers.
In addition to these shows, Henry also hosted Shed and Buried, a program where he scours the UK countryside in search of rare and forgotten vehicles, often restoring them to their former glory. His other projects include Find It, Fix It, Flog It, where he restores old items and sells them for profit, and its spin-off Find It, Fix It, Drive It, which adds an emphasis on cars and bikes.
Henry’s shows are often produced by his own production company, HCA Entertainment, which has worked with major broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and Discovery Networks. His shows have reached a global audience, and his blend of passion, knowledge, and charisma has made him a well-known figure in both the television industry and the motorbike community.
Motorcycle Ventures: Gladstone Motorcycles
In 2013, Henry Cole expanded his love for motorcycles into the realm of entrepreneurship by founding Gladstone Motorcycles, a company dedicated to creating bespoke motorcycles. The company, which is named after Henry’s great uncle Dick “Red Beard” Gladstone, specializes in high-end, handcrafted custom motorcycles that combine classic designs with modern engineering. These motorcycles are sold to a select group of clients worldwide, contributing significantly to Henry’s net worth and further solidifying his reputation as a motorcycle enthusiast and entrepreneur.
Gladstone Motorcycles operates as a luxury brand, offering motorcycles that are built to order, with a focus on quality craftsmanship and unique designs. Each bike produced by the company is tailored to the specifications of the client, making each one a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Through Gladstone Motorcycles, Henry has been able to blend his passion for bikes with his entrepreneurial spirit, turning his love for motorcycles into a profitable business venture.
Henry Cole Books and Publications
In addition to his work on television and his business ventures, Henry Cole is also a published author. His books reflect his experiences with motorcycles, restoration projects, and his travels around the world. His first book, A Biker’s Life: Misadventures on (and off) Two Wheels (2018), is a memoir that chronicles his journey through life as a motorcycle enthusiast and his personal battles along the way.
Henry also authored The Life-Changing Magic of Sheds (2020), which blends his love for sheds with life lessons learned from his experiences. In 2024, he released Riding Route 66, a book detailing his journey along the iconic American highway on his motorcycle. These books have gained a following among fans of Henry’s shows and motorbike culture in general, adding to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
Henry Cole Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Wife and Children
Henry Cole is married to Janie Cole, whose age is not widely reported in public. While Janie keeps a relatively low profile, she has been a constant presence in Henry’s life and has supported him throughout his career. Together, they have two sons, named Charlie and Tom. The family resides in Oxfordshire, a beautiful county in the Cotswolds, where they enjoy a rural lifestyle.
Henry’s personal life is closely intertwined with his career and passions. In interviews, he often speaks about his love for the countryside, his collection of motorcycles, and his family life. Despite his celebrity status, he remains grounded and values spending time with his loved ones and his pets, particularly his dogs.
Dogs: Jelly Bean and Bumble
Henry is also an avid animal lover, particularly when it comes to dogs. His pets, including Jelly Bean and Bumble, have appeared in his shows and social media posts. These dogs have become an integral part of Henry’s personal brand, and fans of his shows often enjoy seeing them alongside Henry as he embarks on his motorcycle journeys and restoration projects.
Health and Lifestyle
Over the years, Henry Cole has maintained an active and healthy lifestyle. Despite his early struggles with addiction, he has remained open about his past and the lessons he has learned along the way. Today, Henry leads a physically demanding lifestyle, often riding his motorcycles, restoring vehicles, and working on projects that require both mental and physical engagement.
His lifestyle is built around a balance of work, personal time, and physical activity. Whether it’s exploring new bike routes, restoring classic cars, or spending time with his family and dogs, Henry has found a way to combine his professional passions with his personal interests.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Henry Cole’s net worth is estimated to be around £2 million to £3.8 million (approximately $2.5 million to $5 million USD). His wealth comes from multiple sources, including his television career, production company, book sales, and his motorcycle business. The combination of these ventures has allowed Henry to build a comfortable and successful life, all while remaining true to his passions.
His work on television and with Gladstone Motorcycles has earned him a devoted following, and his books and merchandise have further bolstered his financial success. Despite his wealth, Henry is known for being down-to-earth and accessible to his fans, often sharing personal anecdotes and insights from his career and life.
Henry Cole Legacy
Henry Cole has built a remarkable career that spans multiple industries. From his early days as a cameraman to his current role as a television presenter and entrepreneur, Henry has proven that passion, creativity, and perseverance can lead to success. His shows have inspired countless viewers, his motorcycles have captured the imagination of enthusiasts, and his books have provided valuable insights into his journey through life.
As he continues to explore new projects, including upcoming tours and ventures in the motorcycle industry, Henry Cole’s legacy as a prominent figure in the world of motorcycling and entertainment is sure to endure for years to come.
Conclusion
Henry Cole is much more than just a television presenter — he is a motorcycling icon, a successful entrepreneur, and a beloved public figure. His journey from overcoming personal struggles to achieving financial success and becoming a household name in the world of motorcycles and restoration is nothing short of inspiring. Through his television shows, books, and business ventures, Henry has cemented his place in the hearts of fans and continues to be a force in the motorcycle industry. With his new projects on the horizon, we can only expect Henry Cole’s influence to grow even further.
This article comprehensively covers the many facets of Henry Cole’s life and career, from his early years to his rise in the television industry, his motorcycle business, and his personal life. Whether you are a fan of his shows, a motorbike enthusiast, or someone interested in his entrepreneurial journey, Henry Cole’s story is one that continues to inspire.