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Episode details

Radio Lincolnshire,02 Apr 2026,9 mins

Tobacco, chocolates & Lancasters: The Roses story

Secret Lincolnshire

Available for over a year

William Rose was learning the trade of a barber and tobacconist in the late 19th century, but his focus was on something which to most people looks like a small thing, but frustrated him a lot. His persistence would eventually carry him far beyond the world of cutting hair and tobacco. Against all expectations, he invented a wrapping machine that transformed a simple, repetitive process into something revolutionary. From a barbershop in Gainsborough, Roses grew into an engineering giant - all thanks to an apprentice refusing to give up on his idea. Produced and narrated by Patrycja Boryka. Images:Gainsborough Heritage Association/ MoD/Crown Copyright/ Getty.

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