The North East can feel like a small place, but some of the things that have been created in our corner of England went onto change the world.
Newcastle has a rich industrial history, something which is reflected in some of these Geordie inventions.
But did you know about Newcastle’s connection to one of the biggest drinks brands in the world? Or what about the history altering invention that was devised when miserably travelling home from a Newcastle United loss- we’ve all been there...
Tyneside also has a miraculous connection to many of the beloved Apple products that revolutionised the tech industry. I’d lay claim to it, but I’ll let you decide if the connection is enough to make the designs Geordie.
We do love to take responsibility for the amazing achievements of our own.
And what about Joseph Swan? Geordie or Mackem? Either way he’s a North East legend who’s invention is often mistakenly credited to the American Thomas Edison- who ten years later improved Swan’s design.
So take a look at these Geordie inventions and let us know your favourite, or if some of them shouldn’t be anywhere near this list...
1. Windscreen wipers
Geordie Gladstone Adams came up with the idea for windscreen wipers as he was travelling home from watching Newcastle United lose to Wolves in the 1908 FA Cup final. Frustration with constantly having to scrape snow from his windscreen allegedly led to the idea, although he didn't patent it until three years later. It's a contested story, however, with American Mary Anderson reportedly coming up with the design in 1903. | Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock
2. Lucozade
Yes, the sports drink and hangover cure that is Lucozade was invented by a Geordie. Created as 'Glucozade' by Newcastle pharmacist William Walker Hunter in 1927, it was acquired by the British pharmaceutical company Beecham's in 1938 and sold as Lucozade, an energy drink for the sick. Its advertising slogan was "Lucozade aids recovery". It was sold mostly in pharmacies up until the 1980s before it was more readily available as a sports drink in shops across the UK. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Power Grid
Born in Gateshead, Charles Merz created the model for what would become the National Grid in the early 20th Century. | National World Photo: National World
4. Greggs
Of course, perhaps Newcastle's most-loved export is Greggs. Founded by John Gregg in 1939- who used to deliver his goods to people's homes on his pushbike- the first shop was opened on Gosforth High Street in 1951. | Third Party