Our website provides you with a variety of information on not just the Sir Henry Royce Foundation in Australia, but other items, photos, articles and documents of interest connected to the English engineer and car designer. Information We hope our website provides you with a variety of information on not just the Sir Henry Royce Foundation in Australia, but other items, photos, articles and documents of interest connected to the English engineer and car designer. We hope you enjoy the site. Sir Frederick Henry Royce Born: 27 March 1863 Died: 22 April 1933 OBE - awarded in 1918 Baronet of Seaton in the County of Rutland - created in 1930 for services to British Aviation Married: Minnie Punt in 1893 - separated in 1912 Sir Henry had no children Royce lived by the motto "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble"

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

The Sir Henry Royce Foundation holds many Instruments, Tools & Parts in its archive collection. Instruments, Tools & Parts Miniature tool tray from a Silver Ghost made by Claude Mason. Approx ¼ scale. Overseas Touring Kit for S Cloud and Phantom V. gaskets, globes, ignition coil etc. Piston for SG LK Series. Miniature tool tray from a Silver Ghost made by Claude Mason. Approx ¼ scale. 1/9 SHRF - Royce solenoid (as told by Gibert Ralph) Play Video Our Oldest Archive Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

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

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

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

Photographic archives of all things connected to Sir Henry Royce and his engineering history. Photo Gallery These photos are a just a tiny selection from our extensive archives. ** Click on the photos below to view the full gallery of photos. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 5VF155 Taken during the visit of the King of Nepal in 1971 is 5VF155 with registration ZSF-570. Note the Crown above the number plate is covered. Photo courtesy of National Archives of Australia Sir Henry Royce Memorial Window Located in Westminster Abbey is a memorial window for Sir Frederick Henry Royce, engineer and car designer. Designed by Sir J. Ninian Comper It was unveiled by Lord Kindersley, chairman of Rolls-Rolls Ltd., on 23rd October 1962. The inscription at the base reads: In memory of Frederick Henry Royce O.B.E. Baronet, Engineer. Born 1863. Died 1933. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 1/13

Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia. Archival keeper of all things connected to Sir Henry Royce in Australia and the world. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering

Information held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation (Australia) on Walter Owen Bentley. Walter Owen Bentley Born: 16 September 1888, Hampstead, England Died: 13 August 1971 (aged 82), Woking, England Nationality: English Occupation: Engineer In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley, the small sports/racing car maker and potential rival, after the latter's finances failed to weather the onset of the Great Depression. Rolls-Royce stopped production of the new big Bentley 8 Litre, which was threatening sales of their current Phantom, disposed of remaining Bentley assets and made use of just the Bentley name and its repute. After some years of development Rolls-Royce produced a new quite different ultra-civilised medium-size range of Bentleys advertising them as "the silent sports car". They were very much in the Rolls-Royce mould. From soon after World War II until 2002 standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars were often very nearly identical apart from the radiator grille and minor details. Interesting snippets .... The famous “Winged B” hood ornament was designed with forgers in mind. As a counter to the red-hot faux hood ornament market, there’s actually a different number of feathers on each side, in the hopes that forgers wouldn’t notice. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded as Bentley Motors Limited by W. O. Bentley in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London—and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003. Woolf Barnato was a wealthy playboy who raced cars for fun. He ran at Le Man three times, winning all three, then took over as CEO from W.O. Bentley after Rolls-Royce took over the company. Rolls-Royce took over the assets of Bentley Motors (1919) Ltd and formed a subsidiary, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had acquired the Bentley showrooms in Cork Street, the service station at Kingsbury, the complex at Cricklewood and the services of Bentley himself. Bentley had neglected to register their trademark so Rolls-Royce immediately did so. They also sold the Cricklewood factory in 1932. Production stopped for two years, before resuming at the Rolls-Royce works in Derby. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression throttled the demand for Bentley's expensive motor cars. On 10 July 1931 a receiver was appointed. The British Central Equitable Trust made a winning sealed bid of £125,000. British Central Equitable Trust later proved to be a front for Rolls-Royce Limited. In 1934 Barnato was appointed to the board of the new Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Until some time after World War II, most high-end motorcar manufacturers like Bentley and Rolls-Royce did not supply complete cars. They sold rolling chassis, near-complete from the instrument panel forward. Each chassis was delivered to the coach builder of the buyer's choice. The biggest specialist car dealerships had coachbuilders build standard designs for them which were held in stock awaiting potential buyers. All Bentleys produced from 1931 to 2004 used inherited or shared Rolls-Royce chassis, and adapted Rolls-Royce engines, and are described by critics as badge-engineered Rolls-Royces. W. O. Bentley was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1995. " . . . In the eyes of those who own, have owned, or aspire to own, one of the 3,040 Bentley cars designed and built by the 'old' Bentley company under the leadership of "W. O." he was admired and respected—indeed, I think, loved is not too strong a word—for to know his cars was to know him. During his working life "W. O." suffered a series of ups and downs which might have broken a lesser man. It certainly marked him and it was a disillusioned "W. O." I first met 25 years ago [1946]. . . . "W. O." has said that the pleasure he derived in the post-war years from Club activities; from making new friends among its members; and from seeing the loving care bestowed upon 'his' cars has more than compensated for all his earlier disappointments." "The six years during which I worked for "W. O." were a period of education and pleasure. His modesty, lack of pretension, mental honesty and reasonableness endeared him to those in contact with him, and his over-riding interest in the improvement of the car provided the education in a period which included the post-war 2 1⁄2-litre Lagonda development, schemes for 4 and 8 cylinder derivatives, for the pursuit of shorter strokes in engines, for a small transverse-engined front wheel drive car and for a performance engine for the Morris Minor in place of the 850cc side valve engine it then endured. Though normally of reflective habit his experience showed him when swift action was necessary, and he could be very determined in pursuing it. Big enough to admit mistakes when they had occurred, he also knew when to modify and when to start afresh in remedying them. It is a pity that circumstances prevented his influence on car development from being greater than it was. Though motoring and motor cars were his life he retained a keen interest in locomotives." Mr Donald Bastow.

Sir Henry Royce Foundation (Australia). Created to preserve the heritage of the past in relation to items manufactured by Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the history of the Founders and all printed material relating to the Company’s automobiles and aircraft engines. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering. Enter Site

Evelyn Maud Mill; from servant to socialite. Lover, mistress, wife and widow of Claude Goodman Johnson,'the hyphen in Rolls-Royce'. Evelyn Maud Mill; From servant to socialite. By Paul Tritton Who wouldn't love to open a long lost suitcase to find love letters, photographs and more? This is how renowned researcher Paul Tritton discovered family papers, photographs, memorabilia and love letters not published previously to reveal the identity of the elusive 'Mrs Wigs'. Anyone interested in the story of Rolls-Royce or the influence of a strong minded woman in the fast living 1920's will enjoy this biography. Tritton details how Evelyn Maud Mill, who was born into impoverishment in London, began her working life scenes ‘in service' to become the lover, mistress and then stylish second wife of the famous English business man and socialite, Claude Goodman Johnson. It is a true love story about Claude, who's often referred to as 'the hyphen in Rolls-Royce' and his passionate affair then lifestyle with 'Mrs Wigs' until his death. To date, only Claude's successful business prowess in motoring ventures and enterprise is known, not the supportive woman in his life and the sensitive, musical, family and fun loving world behind the scenes. All this when he was promoting the R-R Silver Ghost; 'the best car in the world' fame. Paul Tritton has illuminated the social history of the 1920's in England and the south of France in this highly readable book. Evelyn and Claude come alive on the pages and enrich the human side of the major personalities in the Rolls-Royce story. It will appeal to any reader of social or business history, to Rolls-Royce and motoring aficionados and anyone desiring insights on how women contributed to successful business ventures a century ago. Paul Tritton is the renowned British author and historical researcher especially within the world of Rolls-Royce. He was the feature writer for Rolls-Royce Motors "Journal" and has written several books about Rolls-Royce; "John Montagu of Beaulieu: Motoring Pioneer and Prophet" in 1985, "The Godfather of Rolls-Royce: The Life and Times of Henry Edmunds" in 1993 and finally "When Rolls and Royce made history on Dover's White Cliffs" in 2016. Paul has written several books ranging in topic from the first sound recording made by Queen Victoria, the loss of a wartime RAF Stirling bomber in the battle of Holland, to several books on the city of Canterbury and how a small town in Kent prepared for a possible Nazi invasion. Paul has been interested in the personal life of Claude Johnson since the 75th anniversary of Rolls-Royce when he was researching Henry Edmunds who famously introduced Henry Royce and Charles Rolls to each other in 1904. Claude Johnson also played a major role in the Rolls-Royce company and is often referred to as the ‘’hyphen in Rolls-Royce’’. But who was “Mrs Wigs’’ by his side? From wide research and consultation with family descendants, Paul has now found Mrs Wigs and revealed Evelyn Maud Mill’s influential life. Initially Paul was uncertain whether to include Claude’s deeply personal love letters to Mrs Wigs. But social life has become more liberal over the decades and personal lives are entwined with the public persona. Paul is a biographer with a thirst for detail and accuracy and writes with sensitivity. Review by SHRF Trustee - Jeanne Eve

Rolls-Royce 20hp Name Plates as found at the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia. 20hp Name Plates 1/1