5 inventions that Peterborough gave to the world - and how they shaped the society we live in today

By Daniel DeFalco

Published 5th Sep 2026, 05:00 BST

Peterborough has a fascinating history of genius inventors

Peterborians have been pioneers to some of the key inventions over the past two centuries, and it’s important that these individuals are remembered for generations to come.

Sure, these inventions might not be classified in the same realm as the lightbulb or jet engine, but there’s no denying that they contributed to society in a positive way.

As we sit here in 2026, many inventors of the future are focused on creating technological products, particularly with artificial intelligence.

Clearly this wasn’t the case for Peterborough’s most famous inventors decades ago, who in most cases had their sights set on other industries.

So, without further ado, here are five inventions that Peterborough gave to the world - and how they shaped the society we live in today.

Have a think about how the five inventions below have influenced your own life.

Born in Alwalton in 1863, Henry Royce would famously go on to co-found Rolls-Royce. Dissatisfied with the poor quality of early motor cars, he designed and built his own car in 1904, creating the Royce 10. His engineering talent attracted the attention of Charles Rolls, a wealthy motoring pioneer and car dealer. The two met in 1904 and formed a partnership, with Rolls agreeing to sell cars built by Royce. In 1906, their businesses combined to form Rolls-Royce Limited, which quickly became renowned for producing some of the world's finest motor cars. Royce had a Peterborough pub named after him, which closed earlier this year.

1. Henry Royce - co-founder of Rolls-Royce

Born in Alwalton in 1863, Henry Royce would famously go on to co-found Rolls-Royce. Dissatisfied with the poor quality of early motor cars, he designed and built his own car in 1904, creating the Royce 10. His engineering talent attracted the attention of Charles Rolls, a wealthy motoring pioneer and car dealer. The two met in 1904 and formed a partnership, with Rolls agreeing to sell cars built by Royce. In 1906, their businesses combined to form Rolls-Royce Limited, which quickly became renowned for producing some of the world's finest motor cars. Royce had a Peterborough pub named after him, which closed earlier this year. Photo: Matt Cardy

Photocentric founder Paul Holt invented LCD-driven 3D printing using visible light (daylight) photopolymers and pre-packaged photopolymer printing plates called Imagepac. He created a novel way of 3D printing by using unmodified mobile, tablet, or television LCD screens instead of expensive UV lasers or projectors to cure resin layer by layer. Photocentric opened its new Peterborough headquarters in 2023.

2. Paul Holt - LCD-driven 3D printing

Photocentric founder Paul Holt invented LCD-driven 3D printing using visible light (daylight) photopolymers and pre-packaged photopolymer printing plates called Imagepac. He created a novel way of 3D printing by using unmodified mobile, tablet, or television LCD screens instead of expensive UV lasers or projectors to cure resin layer by layer. Photocentric opened its new Peterborough headquarters in 2023. Photo: David Lowndes

Perkins Engines was founded in Peterborough in 1932 by engineer Frank Perkins and his business partner Charles Wallace Chapman, as diesel engines were beginning to transform agriculture, transport and industry. The company produced its first high-speed diesel engine, the four-cylinder Vixen, that same year and went on to become a pioneer in diesel technology. As Perkins expanded, so did its importance to Peterborough’s industrial economy. Its Eastfield works became a major local employer, and by the 1960s more than one in ten of the city’s workforce worked for the company. Perkins played a major role in establishing Peterborough as a centre for engineering and manufacturing.

3. Frank Perkins - high-speed diesel engine

Perkins Engines was founded in Peterborough in 1932 by engineer Frank Perkins and his business partner Charles Wallace Chapman, as diesel engines were beginning to transform agriculture, transport and industry. The company produced its first high-speed diesel engine, the four-cylinder Vixen, that same year and went on to become a pioneer in diesel technology. As Perkins expanded, so did its importance to Peterborough’s industrial economy. Its Eastfield works became a major local employer, and by the 1960s more than one in ten of the city’s workforce worked for the company. Perkins played a major role in establishing Peterborough as a centre for engineering and manufacturing. Photo: David Lowndes

Peterborough is home to the world’s first mini roundabout, introduced in the city in 1969. Designed by traffic engineer Frank Blackmore, the pioneering roundabout is located near the junction of London Road and Oundle Road. Its innovative design was later incorporated into government road design manuals in 1975, helping to establish the mini roundabout as a standard feature on Britain’s roads.

4. Frank Blackmore - the world's first mini-roundabout

Peterborough is home to the world’s first mini roundabout, introduced in the city in 1969. Designed by traffic engineer Frank Blackmore, the pioneering roundabout is located near the junction of London Road and Oundle Road. Its innovative design was later incorporated into government road design manuals in 1975, helping to establish the mini roundabout as a standard feature on Britain’s roads. Photo: PT