top of page

187 results found with an empty search

  • Sir Henry Royce | hrfoundation

    Sir Henry Royce Frederick Henry Royce was born in Alwalton, Huntingdonshire, near Peterborough, the son of James and Mary Royce and was the youngest of their five children. Some readers may know very little about Sir Henry. Others would know quite a lot about him. But it is worth recording again some of his history and, by extension, that of Rolls-Royce. Frederick Henry Royce was born on 27 March 1863. Not into a wealthy family, but as the son of a miller. Commencing work as a telegram delivery boy, he was later apprenticed to the Great Northern Railway. Royce was interested in electricity, and developed his knowledge of this industry at night school. He formed F. H. Royce and Co. in 1884 when he was twenty-one. That Company manufactured dynamos and electric cranes; parts of one of the latter were acquired by the Foundation. In 1903 Royce bought a small Decauville car manufactured in France, and set about improving it to his standards. This led to the production of a 10hp, 2-cylinder automobile he named ‘Royce’, which first ran on 1 April 1904. Two more cars of the same type and specifications were produced, and of the three, only the engine of one remains in the Manchester Museum. The Honourable Charles Stewart Rolls met Frederick Henry Royce (as he then was) in May 1904. Rolls, a pioneer motorist and car salesman, was impressed with Royce and his car, so they subsequently formed Rolls-Royce Limited in April 1906. The first 40/50hp, 6-cylinder car – a model retrospectively known as the ‘Silver Ghost’ after the most famous example of the type – made its appearance in November 1906, and with many improvements in its design, was produced for the next nineteen years. At the outbreak of the First World War, Sir Henry turned his energies to aero engines, and a long line of superb aero engines was begun. First came the Eagle, then the Hawk, followed by the Falcon and Condor. More than half of the Allied aircraft in that war flew with Rolls-Royce engines, all designed by Sir Henry. Nearly seven months after the war ended, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown in a Vickers Vimy biplane fitted with two Rolls-Royce Eagle engines completed the first aerial crossing of the Atlantic. Subsequently, the Kestrel aero engine was produced, which in turn led to the ‘R’ engine for the 1931 Schneider Trophy races, and ultimately, the Merlin V-12 powerplant based on the design of the ‘R’ engine. In all his designs Sir Henry Royce demonstrated an attention to detail never previously seen in the automotive and aeronautical worlds. His work ethic was inspired by his personal motto: Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile præclarum (Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble). Today, there are many fine examples of Royce’s determination to strive for perfection in engineering. The principal objective of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia is to honour Sir Henry's life and work, to publicise, preserve and maintain examples of his engineering genius, and perpetuate his engineering philosophy, namely the pursuit of excellence. He was named Baronet Royce of Seaton (Rutland) on June 26, 1930. The barontcy became extinct when he died. In 1962 a memorial window dedicated to his memory was unveiled in Westminster Abbey the only time an engineer has been honored in this way. Click on the audio link below to listen to a very interesting 12 minute audio on Sir Henry from the Grace Gibson radio series 'Famous Fortunes’. This enjoyable series can be obtained through their website (www.gracegibsonradio.com ). Well worth listening to. The Foundation is grateful and acknowledges the permission granted by Grace Gibson Productions to bring you this audio classic. Famous Fortunes - Episode 19 00:00 / 00:00 SHRF - Sir Henry Royce (as told by Russell Rolls) Play Video Sir Henry Royce Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

  • Winners - Fred Engish | hrfoundation

    Photography competition the Fred Engish Award with the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. Fred Engish Photography Award Winners 2024 Winner - Greg Coombes (QLD) 2023 Winner - Rodd Levy (VIC) 2023 Highly Commended - Larry Picker (VIC) 2023 Highly Commended - Damian Lester (QLD) 2022 Winner - Martin Cherry (NSW) 2022 Highly Commended - Gordon Hay (WA) 2021 Winner - Greg Coombes, QLD 2021 Highly Commended - Nancy Axe, NSW 2021 Highly Commended - David Prince, SA 2020 Winner - Sue Dunstan, QLD 2019 Winner - Bob Adby, NSW 2018 Winner - Mick Matheson, NSW 2017 Winner - Anderson Leong, NSW 2016 Winner - Liam Carson, QLD 2015 Winner - Michael Jeanes, QLD 2014 Winner - Don Grogan, VIC 2013 Winner - Lloyd Missen, NSW 2012 Winner - Jordan Carson, QLD 2011 Winner - Liam Carson, QLD 2011 Highly Commended - Patty Aiosa, NSW 2010 Winner - Brian Carson, QLD 2010 Highly Commended - Adam Griffiths, VIC 2010 Highly Commended - Peter Forbes, SA 2009 Winner - Brian Carson, QLD 2009 Highly Commended - Kerry Moorhouse, QLD 2008 Winner - Bryan Inder, NSW 2008 Highly Commended - Alan Dyer, VIC Click through to view 2025 Greg Coombes “The Spirit of Camaraderie” Sue Dunstan’s 1926 Dr’s Coupe & Brian Goodall’s 1925 Phantom II Photo taken at the 2024 QLD Branch Concours at Ormiston House Winner Picnic at Ironbark Station Kilsyth, VIC Photographer: Rodd Levy, VIC 2009 Highly Commended By Kerry Moorhouse, QLD 2025 Greg Coombes “The Spirit of Camaraderie” Sue Dunstan’s 1926 Dr’s Coupe & Brian Goodall’s 1925 Phantom II Photo taken at the 2024 QLD Branch Concours at Ormiston House 1/27

  • Canberra Showroom - ACT | hrfoundation

    The Canberra Showroom of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia is in Fyshwick, ACT. It shares the space with the beautifully curated Ollies' Garage. Canberra Showroom - ACT The SHRF Canberra Showroom & Ollies' Garage Fyshwick, ACT Click HERE to email the Curator Open one Saturday per month 9.00 am - 12.00 pm or by group appointment. Check dates and book tickets online via Canberra Showroom of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. O ther times for groups by appointment. Or visit our Virtual Tour 24 hours a day 7 days a week by logging into our website to access our Virtual Reality Interactive Tour. The Canberra Showroom of the Foundation was officially opened on 6 July 2024 by Mick Gentleman MLA, ACT. Below are a selection of photos from the opening. Opening1 Canberra Showrooms 1 Opening2 Opening1 1/10

  • About | hrfoundation

    About the Foundation ABN 78 519 381 393 The Inspiration In all his designs Sir Henry Royce (1863-1933) demonstrated an attention to detail never previously seen in the automotive and aeronautical worlds. His motto was his engineering standard: Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile præclarum (Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble). ‘Rightly done’ are the key words in the Rolls-Royce ethos, and there are many fine examples of Royce’s determination to strive for perfection. He was also guided by the philosophy: ‘Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it.’ Establishment of the Foundation The Sir Henry Royce Foundation was created from a discussion at the 1995 Federal Rally of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. It was proposed that a stand-alone body be created to preserve the heritage of the past in relation to items manufactured by Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the history of the Founders (Sir Henry Royce, The Hon C.S. Rolls and W.O. Bentley), and all printed material relating to the Company’s automobiles and aircraft engines. It all started when David Ekberg.....click here for full story . The Objects of the Foundation The Charitable Objects of the Foundation are for the advancement of the science and technology of mechanical engineering for the public benefit and the advancement of education in such ways as the Trustees in their absolute discretion think fit, including:Making available for study and research purposes the corpus of the published and unpublished work of the late Sir Henry Royce and by promoting and providing facilities for such study and research and for the study of the history and development of the pursuit of excellence in the science of mechanical engineering; Click to read more .... The Strategic Outlook of the Foundation The Charitable Objects of the Foundation include: “The advancement of the science and technology of mechanical engineering for the public benefit; and the advancement of education”. In particular, The Foundation seeks to promote the engineering ideals of Sir Henry Royce. To view the Strategic Outlook of the Foundation please visit: Foundation Strategic Outlook Opening of the Lionel Gell School of Instruction for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners Policies Collection Policy Conservation / Preservation Policy Trust Deed SHRF - The Foundation (as told by Russell Rolls) Play Video The Foundation Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

  • Peking to Paris | hrfoundation

    Peking to Paris 1997. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia has in its collection the Phantom V 5VF159 that completed the 1997 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. It took 45 days. Went for 16,000 kilometres across snow capped Himalayas at 5,000 metres and three deserts under scorching sun. Peking to Paris Of special note: The SHRF Phantom V 5VF159 completed the 1997 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. It took 45 days. Went for 16,000 kilometres across snow capped Himalayas at 5,000 metres and three deserts under scorching sun. Owner/Drivers on the rally: John Matheson & Jeanne Eve. Below is a wonderful photo book of their trip. Enjoy.

  • Printed Materials Collection | hrfoundation

    Printed Materials Collection The Foundation boasts a huge archive of printed materials. From GA Drawings, books, magazines, books, service records and much, much more. A wonderful and searchable (yes really) collection of the RROCA Praeclarum magazine from 1960 to 2010 is also available. We hope to be able to add from 2010 to current in the not too distant future. Click on this link to access: http://praeclarum.rroc.org.au/ PAINT CODES Colour Names and Cross-References for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars for Postwar Vehicles - 1946 to 1999 - click HERE . Below is a collection of photos and a few short videos from the Printed Materials archives. GA (general assembly) detail for hanger of exhaust of 20/25HP. Service records from York Motors, Sydney. 1914 Silver Ghost catalogue limousine - early model. GA (general assembly) detail for hanger of exhaust of 20/25HP. 1/22 SHRF - Catalogues (G Ralph) Play Video SHRF - Ian Irwin (Research and books) Play Video SHRF - The Dunlop Book (as told by Gilbert Ralph) Play Video SHRF - Books - RR Aircraft Engines (as told by J Reis) Play Video Printed Materials Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

  • Charles Stewart Rolls | hrfoundation

    Charles Stewart Rolls and his connection with Sir Henry Royce Foundation. Archive material held by the Sir Henty Royce Foundation Australia. Charles Stewart Rolls Born: 27 August 1877, Berkeley Square, London Died 12 July 1910 (aged 32), Southbourne, Bournemouth Nationality: Welsh Occupation: Engineer Engineering career Projects: Rolls-Royce Partnership with Royce HRH The Duke of York, Lord and Lady Llangattock, Sir Charles Cust and the Hon. C.S. Rolls at 'The Hendre', 1900 (credit Main article: Rolls-Royce Limited ). Rolls was introduced to Henry Royce by a friend at the Royal Automobile Club, Henry Edmunds, who was also a director of Royce Ltd. Edmunds showed him Royce's car and arranged the historic meeting between Rolls and Royce at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, on 4 May 1904. In spite of his preference for three or four cylinder cars, Rolls was impressed with the two-cylinder Royce 10 and in a subsequent agreement of 23 December 1904 agreed to take all the cars Royce could make. These would be of two, three, four and six cylinders and would be badged as Rolls-Royces. The first Rolls-Royce car, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp, was unveiled at the Paris Salon in December 1904, although in the early advertising it was the name of Rolls that was emphasised over that of Royce. In 1906 Rolls and Royce formalised their partnership by creating Rolls-Royce Limited, with Rolls appointed Technical managing director on a salary of £750 per annum plus 4% of the profits in excess of £10,000. Rolls provided the financial backing and business acumen to complement Royce's technical expertise. In 1907 Rolls-Royce Limited bought out C.S. Rolls & Co. Rolls put much effort into publicising the quietness and smoothness of the Rolls-Royce, and at the end of 1906 travelled to the USA to promote the new cars. The company was winning awards for the quality and reliability of its cars by 1907. But by 1909 Rolls' interest in the business was waning, and at the end of the year he resigned as Technical managing director and became a non-executive director. Pioneer aviator Rolls was also a pioneer aviator and initially, balloonist, making over 170 balloon ascents. He was a founding member of the Royal Aero Club in 1903 and was the second person in Britain to be licensed to fly by it. In 1903 he also won the Gordon Bennett Gold Medal for the longest single flight time. By 1907 Rolls' interest turned increasingly to flying, and he tried unsuccessfully to persuade Royce to design an aero engine. In 1909 he bought one of six Wright Flyer aircraft built by Short Brothers under licence from the Wright Brothers, and made more than 200 flights. On 2 June 1910, he became the first man to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by plane, taking 95 minutes. For this feat, which included the first East-bound aerial crossing of the English Channel, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Aero Club. There is a statue to commemorate the flight in Monmouth and another in Dover.

  • 20hp Technical Articles | hrfoundation

    Technical articles on Rolls-Royce 20hp motor vehicles as held in the archives of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. 20hp Technical Articles / Diagrams / Photos Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site. 1/2

  • 20hp Picnic Sets | hrfoundation

    Picnic Sets of Rolls-Royce 20hp. Archive photos with the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. 20hp Picnic Sets 1/1

  • 20hp Dashboards | hrfoundation

    Dashboards of the Rolls-Royce 20hp. A collection of photographs of 20hp as held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia. 20hp Dashboards 1/5

  • Miscellaneous 20HP Data | hrfoundation

    Rolls-Royce 20hp Miscellaneous Data held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia. Miscellaneous 20hp Information Australian 20HPs in pictures Dashboards Drawings Instrument Gauges Australian Literature Coachbuilder Name Plates Parts in pictures Period Picnic Sets Technical Articles Tools Other Twenties A note of thanks to Bob Clarke for providing such an extensive collection of 20hp information.

  • Research My Car | hrfoundation

    Research YOUR Car Sources of information on Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. Researching the heritage of your Rolls-Royce or Bently can be a most rewarding but sometimes challenging task. These are suggested places where you may find information on your car. 1. BUILD RECORDS from the UK If you want to know the original specifications of your car when it was built, start with the Build Records. These are files of work/test reports compiled during construction at the factory by the mechanics and engineers. These may be purchased from the RREC Archive Services. Heritage Certificates may also be purchased from the RREC. https://rrec.org.uk/about/archive-services 2. SERVICE RECORDS in Australia The SHRF Archives in Melbourne hold the following. York Motors Service Records. Kellow Falkner Service Records. Motors Limited/United Motors Service Records. Appleby and Ward Service records. If your car was delivered or serviced by these companies, there may be records of such and digital copies may be purchased through the SHRF. Send an initial inquiry to chair@henryroycefoundation.com and we will advise you of what we can supply and the cost. 3. SHRF Publications Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the Sunburnt Country. By Tom Clarke and David Neely. In the Rearview Mirror. By David Neely. These are excellent reference books and may be purchased from the SHRF along with several other specific titles at https://www.henryroycefoundation.com/shop 4. OTHER SHRF ARCHIVAL MATERIAL The SHRF Archives in Melbourne contain a growing number of individual documents and photographs which can be provided for a small fee. Send an initial inquiry to chair@henryroycefoundation.com and we will advise you of what we can supply and the cost. 5. SHRF Library The SHRF Library is located at the SHRF Archives in Melbourne and information about research possibilities may be initiated by an email to heritage@henryroycefoundation.com 6. EXTERNAL SOURCES There is a variety of sources external to the SHRF which may be able to provide further information. These are listed below. RROCA Ltd. The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia Ltd produces, Praeclarum, a bi-monthly magazine of Club matters that may provide further information. Copyright to this material is held by RROCA Pty Ltd, not by the SHRF. The Praeclarum index compiled by Fred Engish may a starting point and an initial inquiry about possible information may be made to heritage@henryroycefoundation.com Individual State and Territory Clubs produce regular newsletters and inquiries should be directed to the secretary of individual Clubs. https://rroca.org.au/branches-and-links/ ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS CLUB (UK) Bulletin and Spirit and Speed publications. https://rrec.org.uk/ ROLLS-ROYCE OWNERS’ CLUB (USA) www.rroc.org The Flying Lady publication. THE 20-GHOST CLUB (UK and AUST) https://20-ghost.org/ THE SILVER GHOST ASSOCIATION https://silverghostassociation.com/ BENTLEY DRIVERS CLUB (UK and AUST) https://www.bdcl.org/

© 2026 by The Sir Henry Royce Foundation - ABN 78 519 381 393Privacy Policy

The archival resource and repository for all Rolls-Royce and Bentley heritage material in Australia.

bottom of page