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...
5. Domestos
Household cleaner Domestos was invented at 309 Chillingham Road in Heaton in 1929 by Wilfred Handley. The product was initially sold door-to-door by salesmen and in 1961 the product was acquired by Lever Brothers who introduced it to the world. | Amazon Photo: Amazon
6. Lifeboats
William Wouldhave, who was born in 1751 in North Shields, lays claim to the invention of the lifeboat. Following a tragic Newcastle shipwreck, a competition was launched to create a suitable boat to rescue those in danger. Wouldhave won after coming up with a copper shop buoyed by cork. | Keith Woodland Photo: Keith Woodland
7. Railways
Many are credited with the development of the railway, but Geordie George Stephenson brought the mode of transport into mass use in 1825. | Submitted Photo: Submitted
8. Lightbulb
Perhaps controversial: Joseph Swan was born in Sunderland but moved to Low Fell, Gateshead, Swan is credited with the invention of the lightbulb. He first demonstrated his prototype of the incandescent light bulb in 1860 and his house in Gateshead- the first in the world to be lit by a bulb. Photo: Other 3rd Party