Inventors from York
Joseph Aloysius Hansom, born in York in 1803, was an English architect who invented the Hansom cab In 1825 Joseph Hansom settled in Halifax and designed several churches in the Yorkshire area and Liverpool. Hansom registered the "Patent Safety Cab" in 1834 and in 1835 the very first Hansom Cab travelled down from Hinckley. By the 19th century the Hansom Cab was a common site on the street. After this Joseph Hansom went back to architecture and designed a number of important buildings, along with schools and churches.
Percy Shaw was born in 1890 in nearby Halifax and invented the "cat's eye", the reflective road stud that lights the way along dark roads. The "cat's eye" was such a success that Percy Shaw was awarded the OBE in 1965.Joseph Bramah was born in Wentworth, Yorkshire, in 1748 and invented the hydraulic press. Bramah is also considered one of the fathers of engineering, along with William George Armstrong. Sir Donald Coleman Bailey was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, in 1901 and was the inventor of the Bailey bridge. Donald Bailey was awarded an OBE in 1943 and was knighted in 1946.
Today, York's economy is predominantly based on the service industry, with the Information Technology sector, finance, health and education playing pivotal roles. Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy of York and the city is home to a number of landmark buildings and attractions, including York Minster. York has become one of the founding National Science Cities, with a science park established close to the University of York. Many new technology companies have established themselves in the area and set up offices in York, creating nearly three thousand new jobs. Others have taken out office space in Harrogate and rented offices in Wetherby, not far from York.
Percy Shaw was born in 1890 in nearby Halifax and invented the "cat's eye", the reflective road stud that lights the way along dark roads. The "cat's eye" was such a success that Percy Shaw was awarded the OBE in 1965.Joseph Bramah was born in Wentworth, Yorkshire, in 1748 and invented the hydraulic press. Bramah is also considered one of the fathers of engineering, along with William George Armstrong. Sir Donald Coleman Bailey was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, in 1901 and was the inventor of the Bailey bridge. Donald Bailey was awarded an OBE in 1943 and was knighted in 1946.
Today, York's economy is predominantly based on the service industry, with the Information Technology sector, finance, health and education playing pivotal roles. Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy of York and the city is home to a number of landmark buildings and attractions, including York Minster. York has become one of the founding National Science Cities, with a science park established close to the University of York. Many new technology companies have established themselves in the area and set up offices in York, creating nearly three thousand new jobs. Others have taken out office space in Harrogate and rented offices in Wetherby, not far from York.