5 Surprising British Inventions

Here are 5 inventions that are, to the surprise of many, of British origins.

Many inventions that have become part of our daily lives are oddly surrounded by both mystery and misinformation.

Here are 5 that are, to the surprise of many, of British origins. 

Number 5. Television. Americans hold the distinction of watching the most tv, but the first working set was invented by Scotsman John Baird, who debuted his creation in London on January 26, 1926.

Number 4. The music for the US national anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote the words, but the melody is borrowed from ‘To Anacreon in Heaven,’ a British tune written by John Stafford Smith in the 1700s. 

Number 3. Pumpkin Pie. The Brits have been enjoying the autumnal favorite since at least 1675. A British cookbook dated to that year contains the oldest known printed recipe for the treat. 

Number 2. Carbonated Water. Joseph Priestley, an English chemist, first turned flat water into a fizzy liquid in 1767. His method of producing carbon dioxide gas and then introducing it to water was later adapted for commercial purposes, and, before long, bubbly drinks became all the rage. 

Number 1. The computer. Though it wasn’t the compact sorts we are familiar with today, the programmable Analytical Engine designed by Charles Babbage in the 1830s did serve as their forerunner. 

Which British invention most surprises you?