The renowned firm was founded in Alnwick in 1873 by engineers (and fishing enthusiasts) William and John James Hardy. Originally a gunsmith and cutlery supplier, Hardy's soon started making the best fishing tackle in the world. John James himself became world champion fly caster.
The old Hardy fishing reels, precision engineered with ebony handles and run on ball bearings are often used today. To collectors of angling tackle, they have Rolex status. A small brass Hardy Perfect reel of 1891 (the patent year) was sold recently for £17,000, while a more modern product of the firm, the Cascapedia, has sold for as much as £9,000. Hardy rods were among the presents Neville Chamberlain received after securing, as was thought, 'peace in our time' from his talks with Hitler. Many fascinating items are on show in the firm's museum in Alnwick. As House of Hardy since 1985, the firm has kept up its reputation for excellence and innovation, and in 1984 Hardy was the first non-Japanese firm to win a Japanese Industrial award (actually four awards in all).