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.placeholder image
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.

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.

Brickmaking has been a defining part of Fletton and Whittlesey’s industrial heritage since the 19th century. In the 1890s, successful experiments with the area’s harder, deeper clays led to a more efficient method of production, helping Fletton bricks become a mainstay of British construction. The area went on to become the UK’s leading brick-producing region for much of the 20th century. The Fletton brick was designed by John Cathles Hill in 1890.

5. John Cathles Hill - Fletton bricks

Brickmaking has been a defining part of Fletton and Whittlesey’s industrial heritage since the 19th century. In the 1890s, successful experiments with the area’s harder, deeper clays led to a more efficient method of production, helping Fletton bricks become a mainstay of British construction. The area went on to become the UK’s leading brick-producing region for much of the 20th century. The Fletton brick was designed by John Cathles Hill in 1890. Photo: Wikimedia

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