His program, based on the concept of hypertext, was created in 1991 while he was at the particle physics institute CERN in Geneva, and was originally intended to allow academics to share research across a computer network.

The impact of the rapid dissemination of information and reduction in the cost of business transactions that the internet affords is immeasurable. In effect, Sir Berners-Lee has revolutionised communication and altered the way that people do business.

Named the ‘Greatest Briton’ in 2004, Sir Berners-Lee famously decided that he did not want to make any money from his invention, so made no attempt to privatise it.

He now joins an elite group who have received the honour for exceptional contribution in various fields. The accolade is limited to two-dozen living members, who are entitled to use the initials OM after their name. Past recipients of the Order of Merit include Sir Winston Churchill, poet Ted Hughes and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.