In May 1904 Charles Rolls, a wealthy motoring
enthusiast met Henry Royce, a Manchester-based
engineer to discuss the building and marketing
of a superior motor car. This agreement led to
the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.
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The historic meeting
This painting by Ray Tootall commemorates the
historic meeting between Frederick Henry Royce,
on the left, and Charles Stewart Rolls, on the
right, at the Midland Hotel, Manchester in May
1904. The central figure is Henry Edmund who was
pivotal in bringing the two together and who was
affectionately known as the 'Godfather of Rolls-Royce.'
Centenary resources
