Born Sir Frederick Henry Royce, 1st Baronet of Seaton in Alwalton, Huntingdonshire, near Peterborough, he is celebrated as one of the most influential and successful entrepreneurs who was not able to finish his studies. Although born to a family that owns a flour mill, he was not able to finish his schooling after his father died and their mill went bankrupt. Born in 1863, he was the youngest of the five children of James and Mary King Royce. Their flour mill was leased from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and when their business failed, the family decided to move to London. When he was still 9 he was forced to work by selling newspapers and delivering telegrams. This was after his father died, leaving him only schooled formally for just one year.
Though lacking the schooling needed to bag a decent job, he showed his entrepreneurial skills which helped him a lot in putting up his first business called F H Royce and Company. He founded this venture with his friend, Ernest Claremont, who contributed £50 to their venture. Their business was in the manufacturing of dynamos and electric cranes. The historic meeting with Charles Rolls happened on May 4, 1904. Charles Rolls owned a car showroom in London and during that time, Royce already showed interest in cars after he purchased his small De Dion.
Living up to his motto of “Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble,” Royce has led a life focused on work and tinkering motor cars. From his humble beginnings, he was able to put up a company that will be forever commemorated for its quality and class.
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