Charles Rolls

Introduction to Charles Rolls

Charles Rolls was the co-founder of the famous Rolls-Royce car company. He was born in 1877 in London, England, to a wealthy family of Welsh ancestry. Charles went to Eton College and Trinity College, where he studied mechanical and applied science. He was fascinated by cars and became one of the first Britons to own a car in 1896.

Partnership with Henry Royce

He met Henry Royce in 1904. Royce was a talented engineer, and together, they agreed to manufacture and sell cars under the Rolls-Royce name. They launched their first car, Silver Ghost, in 1906, which became one of the best cars in the world at the time. Rolls was in charge of the sales and marketing of the cars, while Royce oversaw the design and production.

Passion for Aviation

Rolls was also interested in flying and obtained a flying license. He was the first person to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by a plane in the same year.

Charles Rolls’ Final Days

Charles Rolls’ final days were marked by his passion for aviation. On July 12, 1910, he was participating in a flying competition at Bournemouth, England. Rolls was piloting his Wright Flyer, attempting to win a prize for landing closest to a designated mark. Tragically, during his flight, the tail of his aircraft broke off at a height of about 100 feet. The plane plummeted to the ground, crashing near the crowded grandstand.

The Fatal Aviation Incident

Rolls suffered a fractured skull in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was only 32 years old. His death shocked the aviation community and the public, as he had become a national celebrity just a month earlier for his historic non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by plane.

First Briton to Die in a Powered Aircraft Accident

Rolls became the first Briton to die in a powered aircraft accident and the twelfth person in history to lose their life in an aviation incident.

Legacy of Charles Rolls

Despite his short life, Charles Rolls left an enduring legacy in both the automotive and aviation industries. As co-founder of Rolls-Royce, he helped create one of the world’s most prestigious car brands. In aviation, he was a true pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in early flight. Rolls’ adventurous spirit and technical mind continue to inspire innovators today.

Commemorations and Memorials

His achievements are commemorated through various memorials, including a statue in Dover and a blue plaque in London. The Rolls-Royce company, which he co-founded, remains a symbol of engineering excellence, ensuring that Charles Rolls’ vision and passion live on more than a century after his untimely death.