Sir Henry Royce’s famous command, “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better,” has become a cornerstone of automotive history.
This enduring principle continues to guide and inspire Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the prestigious company that carries his name, even as they celebrate the 160th anniversary of his birth.
In this article, we delve into the remarkable life and career of Sir Henry Royce, exploring the origins of his relentless pursuit of perfection and how it manifested in both his personal and professional life.
Early Struggles and the Will to Overcome
Royce’s early life was marked by hardship, poverty, and adversity. Born in 1863 as the youngest of five children, his family faced dire financial circumstances.
His father, a miller, was eventually declared bankrupt, and under the law of the time, imprisoned.
Despite these challenges, Royce was determined to make a better life for himself, and at just 10 years old, began working in London.
With financial support from his aunt, Royce secured an apprenticeship at the Great Northern Railway (GNR) workshops in Peterborough in 1879.
His natural aptitude for design and innate skill with tools and materials became apparent, foreshadowing the standards of excellence he would maintain throughout his life.
Embracing Electricity and Innovation
Royce’s drive for self-improvement led him to the fledgling Electric Lighting & Power Generating Company (EL&PG) in 1881.
This decision to explore the emerging field of electricity, which had no governing body or professional institutions, allowed him to progress without the need for formal qualifications.
Through dedication, hard work, and evening classes, Royce quickly advanced within the industry.
Taking Control and Founding F.H. Royce & Co
In 1884, driven by determination and self-assurance, Royce founded F.H. Royce & Co in Manchester.
The company initially produced small items such as battery-powered doorbells before progressing to heavy equipment like overhead cranes and railway shunting capstans.
However, by 1901, overwork and personal difficulties took a toll on Royce’s health.
The Birth of Rolls-Royce and the Silver Ghost
Following a period of rest and recovery, Royce acquired his first motor car, a 10 H.P. Decauville. This purchase marked the beginning of his journey into automotive innovation.
Royce began by building three two-cylinder 10 H.P. cars based on the Decauville layout, setting the stage for the development of the renowned 40/50 H.P. ‘Silver Ghost’ in 1906.
This iconic vehicle solidified Rolls-Royce’s reputation as a producer of “the best car in the world.”
A Life Dedicated to Perfection
Despite health challenges, Royce remained devoted to his work, designing and overseeing the construction of a new Rolls-Royce factory in Derby.
He also applied his pursuit of perfection to his personal life, becoming a leading expert in farming and horticulture at his residence in Elmstead, West Wittering.
A Lasting Impact on Automotive Excellence
Sir Henry Royce’s relentless pursuit of perfection, forged through hardship and adversity, yielded extraordinary engineering achievements that continue to inspire and guide Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today.
His dedication to excellence and innovation, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, remain at the core of the company’s ethos, ensuring a legacy that endures 160 years after his birth.