Robert Blackburn

Robert Blackburn was born on 26 March 1885, the son of George Blackburn. He was born in Leeds where he lived most of his life. Robert’s family was upper middle-class (quite rich). His brothers were called Charles and Norman but he had no sisters. He attended the Leeds Modern School as a teenager.

Robert was always interested in machines and the way they worked. He studied for a degree in engineering and  was awarded his degree in 1906 at Leeds University. His interests turned to flight and aircraft to the exclusion of all else. After completing his degree he traveled to France, which was then the leading nation in the world of aviation. Here he learned a great deal and was obviously influenced by the leading French aviators of the time.

Robert Blackburn made his first aeroplane between April and May in the year 1909. The materials he used to make his first aeroplane were wood, fabric, steel, some brass and string. In his lifetime he traveled abroad to France, Greece, Africa and several other countries. He established his Blackburn Airplane and Motor Company in June 1914 just two months after the Titanic sank.