Charles Rolls
Co-founder of Rolls-Royce and early aviation pioneer.
- born
- 27 August 1877, Berkeley Square, London
- field
- Motoring and aviation pioneer
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- Co-founding Rolls-Royce; first Briton killed in a powered aircraft accident
Lore & Background
S. Rolls & Co., in 1903. Rolls promoted the cars' quietness and smoothness, but by 1909 his interest waned and he resigned as Technical managing director.
Reader's Guide
Charles Rolls is significant as a co-founder of Rolls-Royce, a company that became synonymous with luxury and engineering excellence. Memorials in Monmouth, Dover, and Bournemouth commemorate his contributions to both motoring and aviation. His legacy endures through the Rolls-Royce brand and his pioneering spirit in two transformative technologies of the early 20th century.
Did You Know?
- Rolls was the third son of the 1st Baron Llangattock.
- He earned the nickname 'dirty Rolls' at Eton due to his interest in engines.
- He was killed when the tail of his Wright Flyer broke off during a flying display in Bournemouth.
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