23 World Changing Innovations from North East England
North East England has spawned brilliant people, inventions and innovations that are responsible for changing the world we live in.
![Matthew Herbert Matthew Herbert](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/Matthew-Herbert-Headshot.png?w=800&h=800&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1690813423&s=1c8af270c7341395d22dafaaaa171c33)
Director of Marketing Communications
(he/him)
North East England has spawned many brilliant people, ideas, inventions and innovations that are responsible for changing the world. This area of England boasts more than just scenic panoramas and beautiful cities, it is home to some of the best companies, universities and innovation centres in the country.
Here we look at some of the major inventions, innovations, and firsts from the region and everything that they brought to the world.
Where would those risk-taking navigators be without the lifeboat? Guess where this invention came out of. Yes, you got it. North East England. William Wouldhave, who was born in 1751 in North Shields, stakes claim to this world-changing creation. As the result of a competition to create a suitable boat — a contest motivated by a tragic shipwreck — Mr. Wouldhave conceived of a copper ship, buoyed by cork. For his participation in the contest, the inventor was awarded one guinea, a value equal to about one-quarter of an ounce of gold.
![William Wouldhave invented the lifeboat William Wouldhave invented the lifeboat](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-life-boat.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211829&s=20b291b635d38d28e3644e01e1c62a63 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-life-boat.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211829&s=9928f358ef102b856381a5f2d520a9e2 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-life-boat.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211829&s=3246c382304b3e622a2f1eb309c21fe4 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-life-boat.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211829&s=005494741679a01adf2b25aad5cf48fd 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-life-boat.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211829&s=345f3da3a34be40877622658e9686bf2 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-life-boat.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211829&s=9c648714257eba50df43a0f5bdc15638 960w)
George Stephenson was born in 1781 in Wylam. His father was an engineman at a coalmine where Stephenson himself worked for a time.
In 1815, Stephenson created the Geordie lamp. Coal mining back in the mid-1800s brought disasters like the explosion at Wallsend, that caused the death of 102 people. With the Geordie lamp, Stephenson prevented potential explosions by contriving a mechanism which would extinguish the flame when the gas levels became too high.
![Geordie Lamp made coal mining safer Geordie Lamp made coal mining safer](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-geordie-lamp.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=1cd3f04d2945029dc6e4bad3403a6c24 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-geordie-lamp.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=e31d0072a883de69ddc0b81c24838cd5 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-geordie-lamp.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=64554cc1d5d79e942dcf1d1bcf242ccb 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-geordie-lamp.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=c1bca83bec7296aa13ac7b7ee416a868 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-geordie-lamp.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=205fa9fa9a1e5aece09afdf9ad0b13fe 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-geordie-lamp.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=5c2f1fb66e60f6867fdbdabf7b26d6f4 960w)
In 1821, George Stephenson was appointed engineer for the construction of the Stockton and Darlington railway. It opened in 1825 and was the first public railway in the world. The following year Stephenson was made engineer for the Liverpool to Manchester Railway, the worlds first inter-city railway line.
![George Stephenson engineered the first inter-city railway line George Stephenson engineered the first inter-city railway line](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/rocket.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216437&s=0aae3efce7056ff690e8f68882bf7ae8 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/rocket.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216437&s=b892a75d52d34cf2c9cf8df222584224 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/rocket.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216437&s=438badf9bf8a1c0904c6c513c09f0c31 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/rocket.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216437&s=451ddbe768aaeca17038013b3bb6c4b5 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/rocket.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216437&s=09ae3648daaa7b9fd1a32057a8930832 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/rocket.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216437&s=a458f74ec102b25c77248b901500816b 960w)
In 1824 father and son George and Robert Stephenson created ‘Locomotion No.1’ — the first railroad locomotive in the world to carry passengers on a public line.
In 1829, the duo created ‘Rocket’. Rocket was built for and won the Rainhill Trials held by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway to choose the best design to power the railway. Though the Rocket was not the first steam locomotive, it was the first to bring together several innovations to produce the most advanced locomotive of its day. It is the most famous example of an evolving design of locomotives by Stephenson that became the template for most steam engines in the following 150 years.
The opening of the Stockton to Darlington railway and the success of ‘Rocket’ stimulated the laying of railway lines and the construction of locomotives all over the world.
![Father and son duo George and Robert Stephenson created the 'Rocket" Father and son duo George and Robert Stephenson created the 'Rocket"](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-locomotive.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=1cf70aa677a0353749e662ddbd722937 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-locomotive.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=918070d991318a48074fe3149048af6d 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-locomotive.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=53a80d988afa87ddbcc44dfc026dce90 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-locomotive.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=9ff03d9ae2571e0302076ba5f7628af7 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-locomotive.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=3e096bb5bdcc694e40cef4eb8ce0f7e8 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-locomotive.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=3d2124a85e690d5f8fd7a429bf1414fa 960w)
Stockton-on-Tees native John Walker brought the world the friction (safety) match. Walker’s aversion to blood while working as an apprentice to a surgeon pushed him in another direction, one which would have him cooking up chemical pastes that could ignite when attached to a match head and rubbed on a rough surface. Sadly, Walker never perfected the chemical mixture for the match paste and, therefore didn’t feel the need to patent it. Another man took over the business and subsequently marketed his brand of the “Walker” match far and wide. Walker did, however, receive posthumous credit for the invention of the match.
![John Walker brought the world the friction (safety) match John Walker brought the world the friction (safety) match](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-match.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211823&s=ce4677381b659e3dabad1f4206a02d96 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-match.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211823&s=ed74d2e6806a149dd3e3f58f7c00b945 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-match.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211823&s=220061e61589e839d627dae64d32b8fd 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-match.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211823&s=e4f3f9e312be4b219c6f789235a40da9 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-match.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211823&s=8dc5ecd44128d19aa98bfb53abad4c89 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-match.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211823&s=2d24b1584ae1e280bf1aa4be80b1e259 960w)
George Stephenson showed his mastery of mathematics, and particularly geometry when he constructed the skew arch bridge in Rainhill over the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. This was the first bridge built over a railway at an angle and demonstrated the use of physics and mathematics to create an architectural marvel.
![George Stephenson's knowladge of geometry was used to construct the skew arch bridge George Stephenson's knowladge of geometry was used to construct the skew arch bridge](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-arch-bridge.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211815&s=c7161919d26cafd9e6874342dee45037 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-arch-bridge.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211815&s=bdea865549cd4a925c1f2c094677eacc 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-arch-bridge.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211815&s=5c1fecf0e8332d7dbf0f91cb7f803adb 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-arch-bridge.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211815&s=0c0a23036251a7c058495941a20e6822 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-arch-bridge.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211815&s=aa5433fc87551c9276a35f62f68164ea 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-arch-bridge.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211815&s=f7176d0c106a841527c63689d7463cb6 960w)
Visionary, humanitarian, inventor, and philanthropist, William Armstrong has probably done more for the reputation of the North East than any other Englishman. Born in Newcastle, Armstrong is credited with several world-changing inventions. Among these are the hydraulic crane, which was inspired by Armstrong’s interest in fishing.
The hydraulic crane was revolutionary not just in Britain, but all over the world. The list of processes that could be made more efficient by his invention was endless and his cranes were rapidly adopted by railways and ports across the world. Newcastle’s Swing bridge over the River Tyne and London’s Tower Bridge are both powered by his technology.
![Material Scientist - William Armstrong Material Scientist - William Armstrong](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-crane.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=d863f8f4682d17a983054962b734303b 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-crane.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=7c7ad4f14031f940b99c91eed24392c5 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-crane.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=b267f9c32d7582e51b5e1cc1900a24d4 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-crane.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=65721baa31c928479d4ae226eb6a12e1 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-crane.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=8bfe62d4d03aabcf1efcfc20497ae552 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-crane.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=392366996c008f930efed38238bfd6e5 960w)
The benefit to mankind of some inventions isn’t always so clear cut. Such a case could be argued for weapons and munitions, and we therefore find a case of irony with Sir William Armstrong and his gun invention. This philanthropist and humanitarian brought to manufacture the Armstrong Gun, which was deployed in the American Civil War and the Japanese Revolution. The innovation of the Armstrong Gun gave him the moniker of ‘the inventor of modern artillery’. Despite his charitable contributions to local scientific establishments including the Armstrong College (now Newcastle University), New Museum of Natural History (now the Great North Museum) and Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, Armstrong had no reservations about his invention, famously saying,
“If I thought that war would be fomented, or the interests of humanity suffer, by what I have done, I would greatly regret it. I have no such apprehension”
![William Armstrong brought to manufacture the Armstrong Gun William Armstrong brought to manufacture the Armstrong Gun](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-armstrong-gun.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211806&s=693cc5a9226f5fb8cdf82104bc5f1bab 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-armstrong-gun.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211806&s=30a208a250f58f5bdc3803e2fadefb76 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-armstrong-gun.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211806&s=87998bda78e7051f3dbf5bec9829e44e 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-armstrong-gun.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211806&s=2d36319d5d479a08b19cc01b1cad33cc 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-armstrong-gun.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211806&s=70e8d4a1f815e8bdbb19661fb64fd416 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-armstrong-gun.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211806&s=e57e85f261214b54a30eb7c29765bb38 960w)
Joseph Swan demonstrated the first working prototype of the incandescent light bulb in 1860 and his house in Gateshead was the first in the world to be lit by a bulb. As with many inventions, there are often competing inventors behind the scenes. This is the case with the incandescent light bulb.
![Joseph Swan was the first to create the incandescent light bulb Joseph Swan was the first to create the incandescent light bulb](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-bulb.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211828&s=e1cb7b017e7c3e40c3ca65e31bb19173 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-bulb.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211828&s=f7ddb02e5e617b672b549fcc8435b6b4 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-bulb.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211828&s=bc1b7c570afebd72d8eb88273479fbc1 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-bulb.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211828&s=43a12600fb2c8f5bab57a4049c8337a6 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-bulb.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211828&s=df412a5d8b103153e72e44b207e56b8a 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-bulb.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211828&s=8a9b79a53202bcd6fb1bdfa56a9ab1a4 960w)
So why the confusion? Edison, who patented his bulb in 1879, essentially improved on a design that Joseph Swan had patented 10 years earlier. Edison’s improvements made the product much longer lasting and, therefore, was the first to successfully commercialise the invention and bring it to the masses.
After Swan sued and won against another manufacturer for patent infringement, Edison decided to enter negotiations rather than risk court proceedings, eventually leading to a merger and the formation of the Edison & Swan Electric Light Company.
As a visionary, Armstrong foresaw the use of alternate fuel sources almost two hundred years ahead of his time. His uncanny genius for thinking outside the box inspired him to advocate the use of hydroelectric power and his house, Cragside in Northumberland was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power.
![Armstrong used hydroelectric to power his home Armstrong used hydroelectric to power his home](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-hydroelectric.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=f5a10f75ae07c6302ad1da09b0cbab5a 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-hydroelectric.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=6f36535c1f2c7cb621c760a30841b59c 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-hydroelectric.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=a4802880f2d7493bb49f0091d1250d35 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-hydroelectric.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=34dfcbfc3adf1e14214bf4e9e47527ec 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-hydroelectric.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=bd86d3fbfa65e80c5c3ae2e8eb32a776 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-hydroelectric.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=8a5d18d2df7a21085398f11089a8380b 960w)
Not to underestimate the creative talent of the North Easterners, Joseph Swan, the inventor of the lightbulb, was also instrumental in bringing the dry photographic plate to light. This was a major development in the field of photography and put society on track to the invention of modern film. Swan ultimately patented his specialty bromide paper, which became the standard for photographic prints.
![A major development in the field of photography was Swan's Dry Plates A major development in the field of photography was Swan's Dry Plates](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-photograph.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211825&s=edeec97a4cade7806698714a0e8bb4ea 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-photograph.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211825&s=568d5b180d987024ae55e1ff7011f7bc 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-photograph.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211825&s=62456a781702af001cfbd5155350e348 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-photograph.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211825&s=77d9c5ebc4c49948995ff0fff81cea0b 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-photograph.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211825&s=d058df2834d3bba0dfcef6c99e39ca03 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-photograph.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211825&s=6b26bf84a103a5049063e41118657cb3 960w)
Getting knighted in 1911 was not the only distinction that Charles Parsons received. He also received the Rumford Medal and the Copley Medal, both awarded by the Royal Society for outstanding achievements in the scientific disciplines. As an apprentice of an engineering firm in Newcastle, Parsons went on to invent the steam turbine.
In 1889, he founded two of his own companies in Newcastle, one of which was C A Parsons and Co., which would manufacture his design of turbo-generators and produce the fastest turbine-driven battleships in existence.
Famously, Parsons decided to showcase his technology by gate-crashing the naval review of 1897, which was to honour Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, weaving in-between and outstripping the other warships in the harbour after the queen had inspected them.
The invention of Parsons’ steam turbine made cheap and plentiful electricity possible and revolutionised marine transport and naval warfare.
![Charles Parsons is responsible for the Steam Turbine Charles Parsons is responsible for the Steam Turbine](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/tug-boat.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214596&s=3f6b60111747f09fdfd5ca3bf95b6f8e 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/tug-boat.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214596&s=aa7afe9d3f0cc686ffed86827b113585 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/tug-boat.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214596&s=a31f8f56cb6c755db26f15ab20e612f2 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/tug-boat.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214596&s=200cccbc68b8c1c3853574a4af3c96d5 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/tug-boat.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214596&s=f08a2f4eea0d71d05863d2a1ba93263f 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/tug-boat.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214596&s=a47b3fd18de9398f47720b37edc8ebbd 960w)
The omnipresent light switch was brought to us by another Newcastle inventor by the name of John Henry Holmes. In 1884, Holmes patented the now familiar light switch, which came about as a result of installing lighting at his father’s house in Newcastle. The original model in the UK, the Castle dynamo, was more than just a dynamo — it was a worldwide fireball.
![John Henry Holmes is credited for the in light switch John Henry Holmes is credited for the in light switch](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-switch.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211827&s=2e89fde54cd23c335d1ac4cfd258e9af 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-switch.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211827&s=b1408cd2ed95dcdf9e26f1b29b2a89ba 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-switch.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211827&s=a7a1a748b8fa6f5dad4df0e6398d60d2 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-switch.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211827&s=890e598fe22f140d109da19cc924ed6d 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-switch.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211827&s=f06b48777a8243858fa827c54a9de737 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-light-switch.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211827&s=7ad746b6b90e4ae464f6dc8ce7dc6022 960w)
It is always interesting how people figure out ways to avoid required costs, such as tolls, by devising novel ways to circumvent established protocols. Such was the motivating factor behind the design of the trunk deck ship. Invented by Robert Ropner at his shipyard at Stockton-on-Tees, the inward tapering hull of this vessel afforded more favorable treatment under canal toll rules in place at the time of its use, during the latter part of the 1890s. These ships enjoyed a heated and lucrative construction until the tonnage toll rules changed in 1911.
![Robert Ropner's Trunk Deck Ship avoided canal tolls Robert Ropner's Trunk Deck Ship avoided canal tolls](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cargo.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217891&s=f0fb78d22ad88a14fdc573d802899cd7 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cargo.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217891&s=04d19e4b5e78f1f2ab74252f5fc1c93e 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cargo.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217891&s=e7dc3971bf8c5f1f3cf09b41309b4be3 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cargo.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217891&s=2af5556cb0e65eddab0f4f740cf9cc27 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cargo.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217891&s=21e50eacc79bebac21b9bca8222ec36e 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cargo.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217891&s=1925fffa539a5bc0e0c185194168fb5c 960w)
Cars were not always the convenient electronically equipped vehicles they are today. A little more than a hundred years ago, you could not simply drive along during a rain shower and expect to see out the front window for too long. Well, Newcastle native Gladstone Adams fixed that with the invention of the windscreen wiper. This inventor had his “eureka!” moment when he was driving home from a Newcastle United game during snowy weather. After stopping several times, he realised the solution, and thus came up with the wiper wiper.
![Gladstone Adams had a eureka for the Windscreen Wiper Gladstone Adams had a eureka for the Windscreen Wiper](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-window-wiper.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211824&s=7a6800201a829d6ec2e1f45ca01a7e52 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-window-wiper.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211824&s=48ac668f862497495608286e6b1fb2ba 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-window-wiper.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211824&s=7d76c0d4ecf35f60b5e011434b7ff93b 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-window-wiper.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211824&s=b6e4ee443f64b7665514c3fc5d68ed80 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-window-wiper.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211824&s=c749fcaa4187d3068ff418e1e704eb84 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-window-wiper.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211824&s=a7b05d2638b17802c6ee38d94b0bc91f 960w)
It is little known that the aeroplane joystick was invented by Arthur George, a North Easterner. The joystick brought all three critical components of flight dynamics (yaw, roll, and pitch) under one roof, so to speak. A self-taught pilot, George brought control — and joy — into the cockpit so we all can have a smooth flight.
![Arthur George brought control to the skys with the Joystick Arthur George brought control to the skys with the Joystick](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-joy-stick.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=dd05b56a6e6cc68d42e758e911f64a9e 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-joy-stick.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=6bed2c65395b3fc8879a249c915e02b4 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-joy-stick.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=8633e0050726ddb6d2bfd5e402316ad0 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-joy-stick.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=bd07c23bf432c589ea7ee07795ccc289 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-joy-stick.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=768bd23f87d218d9374343301cf386bd 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-joy-stick.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211830&s=7cb69a3c7cd87dc0ee05e19cc3b6f25e 960w)
The Newcastle chemist William Owen experimented back in the 1920s with the formulation of drinks that would help people with common illnesses like flu and cold. Originally called Glucozade, these beverages were marketed to hospitals for use by patients. The name of the drinks was later changed to Lucozade.
Another North Eastener, Wilfred Handley, invented a product called Domestos, which served as a cleaning agent. It was largely composed of sodium hypochlorite, the chemical that when mixed with water, becomes bleach. The product was originally sold door-to-door by salesmen who refilled customers’ stone jars with the caustic chemical. In 1961, Domestos was acquired by the industrial conglomerate Lever Brothers and introduced to the world as the product we all know and use to this day.
![Domestos was the brainchild of Wilfred Handley Domestos was the brainchild of Wilfred Handley](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-bleach.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211816&s=4122598dd40d215ee99915f3f521f674 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-bleach.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211816&s=0ddb29f50a03d8d6344114d19d6f6b84 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-bleach.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211816&s=3bbe165a8022547d8e3e06d2ec40565a 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-bleach.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211816&s=9aefa466e46ed920ca57f0a43beeaf45 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-bleach.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211816&s=07779d30e43b6eac0c565ac2269ab677 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-bleach.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211816&s=da4ff20a402d270c2be59a7069e522b4 960w)
In 1936, the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) plant in Stockton-on-Tees began the first commercially viable production of the acrylic safety glass — Perspex. The transparent thermoplastic, or for the chemists out there, poly (methyl methacrylate) was used extensively during World War II for submarine periscopes and aircraft windshields, canopies, and gun turrets. Airplane pilots whose eyes were damaged by flying shards of perspex fared much better than those injured by standard glass. The shatter-resistant alternative to glass continues to be a huge seller all around the globe.
![Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) invented acrylic safety glass - Perspex Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) invented acrylic safety glass - Perspex](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-perspex.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=99385aa3b048ba28147ff70cb978a7d7 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-perspex.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=a2d8166b54d31778ac3f5387b21955c8 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-perspex.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=fcde88f8bbb83158ed8803921befe44a 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-perspex.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=2784d6e5de9b7ed41b88ecf0af8b7290 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-perspex.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=8636f539338371cb83d8cd28b6f0f74b 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-perspex.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211826&s=81f4773d817694c3295b51508be7b5ea 960w)
Moving to the new millennium, we have Jonathan Ive, a graduate of Newcastle Polytechnic (now Northumbria University). Ive heads up the Apple Industrial Design Group and is the designer of many of Apple’s products, including the MacBook Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPod, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, Apple Watch and iOS. Steve Jobs referred to Ive as his “spiritual partner at Apple”.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the first tilting bridge ever put in operation. Spanning the River, this tilting extravaganza pivots to allow tall yachts and cruisers to glide safely underneath. The bridge was conceptualised by William Eyre Architects and draws tourists from around the world.
![The Gateshead Millennium Bridge was designed by William Eyre Architects The Gateshead Millennium Bridge was designed by William Eyre Architects](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/bridge.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217863&s=964e76888100cc6e9ad2ca519063348f 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/bridge.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217863&s=fb62539599180c779e3b8409c9f083e5 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/bridge.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217863&s=35914c2d709304f292a2775d457526e3 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/bridge.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217863&s=38568766c8f626f1910d427cc794863e 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/bridge.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217863&s=df5d992134a236633fd0c1eb952c85aa 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/bridge.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217863&s=e8238b6be72f150fa2fa5a5bd920e879 960w)
Newcastle does not just produce industrial innovators and scientists. Take Persian scientist and a world-renowned expert on stem cell biology, Karim Nayernia. Although not a native of North East England, Nayernia worked at Newcastle University in 2006 where he and his team were the first in the world to isolate a new type of stem cell from adult mouse testes, called spermatagonial stem cells. His work was able to show that some of these stem cells, called multipotent adult germline stem cells (maGSCs), turned into heart, muscle, brain and other cells. This discovery is now paving the way to new treatments and interventions for a range of medical conditions such as heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and male infertility.
![Nayernia worked at Newcastle University on Spermatagonial Stem Cells Nayernia worked at Newcastle University on Spermatagonial Stem Cells](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/stem-cell.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217431&s=06a1591e02577db83445b01449acf044 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/stem-cell.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217431&s=b07b82f677729f5a07dfb7f5c591b8fb 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/stem-cell.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217431&s=7ebb1a6cd7b19518e3369563f9a86543 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/stem-cell.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217431&s=db711bedbe4c6a5a00beae6fdaeca2e5 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/stem-cell.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217431&s=30fb1102442066c5ec7d2a2756400d8c 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/stem-cell.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217431&s=c248950bb3e8657be84de121eaf19ea4 960w)
What on earth is foul release paint? Simply put, when ships navigate the seas, organisms like barnacles and microorganisms love to grow on the surface of the submerged part of the hull. Well International Paints of Felling in Gateshead discovered a non-biocidal paint that would use inventive chemistry rather than harmful chemicals to solve the problem. The company came up with a silicone-based fluoropolymer which when applied to the boat surface creates such a slippery surface that no barnacle (or any another organism) can hold on. The paint does not harm the seas and achieves the purpose of impeding slime build-up.
![Barnacles can no longer grow on boat hulls due to International Paint's silicone-based slippery paint Barnacles can no longer grow on boat hulls due to International Paint's silicone-based slippery paint](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-foul-release.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=85d28f74eb8dda10b64a1b5f4b36eafa 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-foul-release.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=34de10aea31199281b5efdf44b85aabc 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-foul-release.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=72b1da74b14301b6e5be88f5884e69f6 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-foul-release.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=3f29eef712eed8f46a349fe7977765c0 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-foul-release.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=01587edf4e443796c89f8df32a5e6918 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/north-east-foul-release.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559211832&s=78eb84a808f41bbced8c7c87ab619e28 960w)
So we see from these twenty-three standouts that the North East of England has more than just rich history, exquisite castles, hearty ales and Newcastle United — the best football team on the planet. This part of England has brought us many everyday inventions that are as indispensable as the light bulb, or as people-saving as the lifeboat. Whether its the water in the North East or the warm hospitality of the inhabitants that is responsible for stimulating such creativity and innovation, with technology and innovation centres like CPI we can hope for more additions to this list in the near future.
Enjoyed this article? Keep reading more expert insights...
CPI ensures that great inventions gets the best opportunity to become a successfully marketed product or process. We provide industry-relevant expertise and assets, supporting proof of concept and scale up services for the development of your innovative products and processes.