Rolls-Royce formed

Henry Royce and C.S. Rolls formed their partnership in 1906. Rolls-Royce cars and aeroplane engines are now the benchmark for prestige.

First ever Grand Prix

Held in Le Mans, the first Grand Prix was won by Renault. Fast forward 100 years and Renault, championed by Fernando Alonso, are reigning F1 champions.

Not a Mini or a Minor event

Alex Issigonis, the creative genius behind two of Britain’s most popular cars – the Mini and Morris Minor – was born in Turkey.

San Francisco earthquake

The most famous quake of all time devastated the US city in 1906. The tremor measured a massive 7.8 on the Richter scale, killed 3,000 and left over 250,000 homeless.  

Poet John Betjeman born

The future poet laureate was born this year. Betjeman gained fame and respect within the poetry and broadcasting arenas, but was ostracised by ‘The Office’ boss David Brent for his poem Slough.

Scouse domination

In 1906, Merseyside was the dominant force with Liverpool winning the league and Everton winning the FA Cup.

Cornflakes arrive at the breakfast table

Eating habits changed forever in 1906 when Kellogg’s unveiled their cornflakes.

Vesuvius erupts

Famed for destroying Pompeii in 79A.D, Vesuvius violently erupted again in 1906, killing over 100 and devastating parts of Naples.

Cezanne dies

Radical French post-impressionist Paul Cezanne dies from pneumonia aged 67. His painting Rideau Cruchon et Compotier sold for a whopping $60.5 million in 1999. Legendary artist Picasso regarded Cezanne as the ‘father of us all’.

Tiny Labour Party

Today the Labour Party is the leading political presence with over 350 seats. Back in 1906 they had just 29 MPs.

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Read our exclusive interview with Buster Martin – the 99-year-old mechanic born in 1906.