9781422269671

prizes. The founder of the Cable Makers’ Association, he remained on the lookout for businesses in which to invest and became a shareholder in Royce Ltd. In 1904, he purchased one of Royce’s three vehicles and showed it off to his fellow members of the Automobile Club of Great Britain. Charles Stewart Rolls Quite the opposite of his

Charles Stewart Rolls (1877–1910).

eventual friend and business partner, Charles Stewart Rolls entered the world on August 27, 1877, in Berkeley Square, London, England. Born to the 1st Baron Llangattock, John Allan Rolls, and Baroness Llangattock, Georgiana Marcia Maclean Rolls, his upbringing consisted of spending time in the family’s city home in London and his ancestral home, The Hendre, near Monmouth, Wales. The youngest of four children, Charles joined eldest brother John Maclean Rolls, born in 1870, older brother Henry Alan Rolls, born in 1871, and older sister, Eleanor Georgiana Rolls, born in 1872, in a lively household that encouraged learning. His education began with attending Mortimer Vicarage Preparatory School in Berkshire. He spent his high school years at Eton College, known as the school for royalty in Great Britain. At Eton, he developed an interest in motor engines. Rather than a book interest, Rolls enjoyed working with his hands, and his constant tinkering with motors resulted in frequently coming into the residence halls covered in motor oil. His fellow students dubbed him “Dirty Rolls” for consistently being doused in motor oil and grease.

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Rolls-Royce: Innovation and Aspiration