Henry Cole: The Legendary British Presenter Who Turned Passion into Purpose
The name Henry Cole evokes images of motorbikes roaring across open landscapes, sheds filled with vintage machines, and the unmistakable charm of British craftsmanship. A television personality, director, producer, businessman and writer, Henry Cole has forged an extraordinary career that bridges entertainment and engineering. With a life story marked by both triumph and turbulence, he represents resilience, authenticity and creativity in modern British media.
Early Life and Education
Henry Cole’s Roots and Early Inspiration
Born on 16 February 1964 in Norfolk, England, Henry Cole was educated at the prestigious Eton College, where his adventurous streak was already evident. Although surrounded by privilege, he often described his school years as “stifling,” yearning for independence and mechanical freedom. His great-uncle Dick ‘Redbeard’ Gladstone—a flamboyant character with a shed full of British motorcycles—sparked Henry’s fascination with machines when he was just eight. This passion would later evolve into a lifelong vocation.
From Cameraman to Producer
Henry Cole’s Early Career in Television and Film
Before becoming a household name, Henry Cole cut his teeth as a news cameraman for major broadcasters including ITV and TF1. His flair for storytelling soon led him to direct rock documentaries featuring heavy-metal and punk bands, where he captured the raw energy of performance and rebellion.
He went on to found HCA Entertainment, his own television production company. This was the launch pad for a three-decade-long career spanning factual television, documentaries, commercials and feature films.
Expanding into Direction and Production
HCA Entertainment has delivered an impressive portfolio of productions for ITV, Channel 4, Sky 1, Channel 5, Discovery Networks, BBC and more. Under Henry’s leadership, it has produced hit factual series such as Grimefighters, Kensington Wives, Men Brewing Badly, Supersize Grime and Frontline Stories.
Henry Cole has also directed over 70 TV commercials for major brands including Flora, MasterCard, TFL, Amstrad, Top Up TV and Dixons. His natural visual storytelling and humour made him a sought-after name in commercial direction.
Henry Cole on Screen
The Television Presenter Loved by Bikers Worldwide
Today, Henry Cole is internationally recognised as a presenter of high-octane television. His shows blend travel, mechanical restoration and personality-driven storytelling.
Among his best-known programmes are:
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The Motorbike Show (ITV 4, Discovery Networks)
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World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides (Travel Channel Worldwide)
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Shed and Buried (ITV and Travel Channel)
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Find It, Fix It, Flog It (Channel 4)
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Find It, Fix It, Drive It (More4)
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The Motorbike Show Special: Steve McQueen’s Motorcycles
Collaboration with Guy Willison
A central figure in many of Henry’s projects is his close friend Guy Willison, a skilled engineer and restoration expert. Their on-screen chemistry brings humour and expertise to every series. While fans often joke about their camaraderie, their relationship remains purely professional — united by their shared love of classic machines rather than family ties.
Entrepreneurship: Gladstone Motorcycles
The Business of Bespoke Motorbikes
Outside television, Henry Cole is the founder and CEO of Gladstone Motorcycles, named after his great-uncle Dick “Redbeard” Gladstone rather than his famous ancestor, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.
Gladstone Motorcycles designs and manufactures bespoke British custom motorbikes for what Henry affectionately calls “discerning hooligans.” Each bike embodies craftsmanship, heritage and rebellion — qualities central to his personality.
In 2013, Henry achieved a world land-speed record for a pre-1955 750cc motorcycle while riding a Brough Superior on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA — a record that remains part of his proudest achievements.
Books and Creative Writing
The Authorial Side of Henry Cole
Henry’s creativity extends to the written word. He is the author of two bestselling books:
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A Biker’s Life (2018) — a candid autobiography exploring his road trips, addiction recovery and philosophy of life.
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The Life-Changing Magic of Sheds (2020) — a witty reflection on why “the shed” is a sanctuary for tinkering souls everywhere.
Through his writing, Henry Cole blends introspection and humour, showing that his shed is not only a workshop but also a metaphor for self-renewal.
Henry Cole’s Wife and Family
Janie Cole – The Woman Behind the Man
Behind Henry’s success is his wife Janie (also known as Jane) Cole, who has been by his side for many years. The couple share two sons, Charlie and Tom, and live in the Cotswolds, surrounded by the countryside that mirrors Henry’s love for rural Britain and restoration culture.
Janie Cole keeps a low profile, preferring privacy over publicity. Her age is not publicly confirmed, though most estimates place her in her early-to-mid fifties, while Henry himself is 61 years old in 2025. Together, they form a grounded family unit that balances the intensity of fame with the serenity of rural life.
Henry often speaks warmly of his wife, sons and even his beloved dog Jelly Bean, calling them “his reason for sanity in an otherwise petrol-fumed world.”
Personal Struggles and Triumph
Overcoming Addiction and Rebuilding Life
In his late teens and early twenties, Henry Cole battled a serious heroin addiction between the ages of 19 and 24. During those years, he lost direction, friends and time. Yet his recovery became the foundation of his later success.
Henry has now been clean for over 30 years and speaks publicly about addiction awareness and rehabilitation. His openness and humour about those dark years have inspired many viewers and readers.
In his own words, “It took me a long time to realise there is more to life than tin foil and heroin.” His ability to transform pain into purpose has made him a beacon of authenticity in an often-manufactured industry.
Henry Cole’s Net Worth and How He Made His Money
From Shed to Success – The Financial Journey
Henry Cole’s net worth is estimated between US$1.3 million and US$5 million, derived from a diverse mix of business and creative ventures.
Income Streams
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Television Production and Presenting – Through his company HCA Entertainment, he both produces and presents shows, allowing him to profit from ownership and syndication.
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Gladstone Motorcycles – Custom builds and collaborations contribute significantly to his income.
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Books and Merchandise – His publications and branded products add a steady revenue stream.
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Live Events and Public Speaking – Appearances at motorcycle shows, such as the National Motorcycle Museum Live, reinforce his earning power and public visibility.
Henry’s wealth is built on creativity, independence and authenticity — not corporate polish but hard-won experience and hands-on entrepreneurship.
Where Does Henry Cole Live?
Life in the Cotswolds
Henry Cole lives with his wife and family in the Cotswolds, a region renowned for its rolling hills, vintage markets and artistic spirit. The choice of residence perfectly reflects his personality — traditional, practical and deeply connected to craftsmanship and heritage.
It’s not uncommon for him to ride through the Cotswold lanes on one of his bespoke motorcycles, accompanied by filming crews or friends like Guy Willison and Sam Lovegrove.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Why Henry Cole Remains a National Treasure
Henry Cole’s enduring appeal lies in his authenticity. He celebrates not just the motorcycle itself but the human stories behind every nut and bolt. Whether restoring an old Brough Superior, filming with Guy Willison or sharing laughs in a shed, he reminds audiences that craftsmanship, humour and resilience still matter.
His shows don’t simply entertain — they preserve British mechanical heritage, showcasing values of hard work, camaraderie and creativity.
FAQs
1. How old is Henry Cole?
Henry Cole was born on 16 February 1964 in Norfolk, England, making him 61 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Henry Cole’s wife?
Henry Cole is married to Janie Cole (sometimes referred to as Jane). The couple have two sons, Charlie and Tom, and live together in the Cotswolds.
3. What is Henry Cole’s net worth?
Henry Cole’s estimated net worth ranges between US $1.3 million and US $5 million, earned through television presenting, production, books, and his motorcycle company.
4. How did Henry Cole make his money?
He made his money by founding HCA Entertainment, producing and hosting hit TV shows such as The Motorbike Show, and by running Gladstone Motorcycles, which builds bespoke British motorbikes.
5. Is Guy Willison related to Henry Cole?
No — Guy Willison is Henry Cole’s long-time friend and co-presenter on several restoration and motorcycle programmes. Their relationship is professional, not family-based.
Conclusion
The Enduring Spirit of Henry Cole
From Eton College to the Bonneville Salt Flats, Henry Cole has lived a life of extraordinary range. He has battled addiction, built businesses, directed films, written books and inspired millions through his transparency and talent.
At 61, with his wife Janie and sons Charlie and Tom by his side in the Cotswolds, Henry Cole continues to turn his passions into purpose — proving that true wealth lies not only in net worth but in the ability to rebuild, restore and ride again.
