Yorkshire is a place of abundant creativity. Despite the colder winters, our brains tick over nicely up here in Yorkshire. We, people from Yorkshire, have given the world a whole variety of exciting inventions, yet humble as we are, we don’t like to brag. Casting that sentiment to the wind, here are a few of the proud inventions that Yorkshire has brought to life.

1. Jelly Tots

It may surprise you to find out that Jelly Tots are from Yorkshire. Made completely by accident, Jelly Tots were invented by a fellow called Brian Boffey in Horsforth. Once such a common delight, we see fewer Jelly Tots on our shelves these days. Despite that, they’ll hold a place in our hearts forever.

2. Stainless Steel

Known as The Steel City, Sheffield is famous for its stainless steel. From cutlery to machinery parts, stainless steel has been an ingenious solution for more resilient metal components worldwide. Discovered by Harry Brearley, stainless steel has been around since 1913.

3. Catseyes

Catseyes are the reflectors that line the roads to help us see when we’re driving. Used all over the globe, Catseyes were invented in Halifax by Percy Shaw. Owning the patent, Shaw made money from every single Catseye laid all around the world.

4. Bottle Banks

Recycling has become part of our day to day lives, though many of us can remember a time it was less common. Despite this, Yorkshire has been pioneering the recycling movement since 1977, when the first bottle bank was invented in Barnsley.

5. Lighthouses

Though our coasts see fewer of the contemporary lighthouses we know and love from nostalgic memories and children’s books, they have saved countless lives all around Britain since their invention. Built in 1669, Flamborough lighthouse is thought the be the first ever lighthouse.

6. Steam Locomotives

The steam locomotive engine was the driving force behind industrialization. Invented in 1790 by Matthew Murray, the steam locomotive first appeared in Holbeck, Leeds. This was probably one of man’s greatest inventions.