Originally published on 17 September 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are extensive range of aerial photographs from which it is possible to follow some of the development of Brockworth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 October 1925 Aerofilms Photograph <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This photograph shows the extent of the Aerodrome buildings at Brockworth, Which of these buildings were originally constructed for the Aircraft Acceptance Park, by the Government, during the Great War is unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/archive\/collections\/aerial-photos\/record\/EPW014490<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 12 September 1940 Luffwaffe Reconnaissance Photo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Historic England photo archive includes a German Luffwaffe image which shows the main GAC factory, the shadow factory and the construction of the Ministry of Aircraft Production Hostel on what is now the Abbotswood Housing Estate. It also shows the extent of housing constructed in the period just before the war including Westfield Road, Westfield Avenue and also Boverton Drive and Boverton Avenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/photos\/item\/LFT01\/03\/02<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 14 March 1944 USAF Aerial Photograph <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Historic England aerial photograph shows main factory in the bottom right hand corner of this photo which includes Churchdown Hill and parts of Hucclecote and Longlevens. The runway, which is camouflaged can be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/archive\/collections\/aerial-photos\/record\/US_7PH_GP_LOC234_V_5041<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 15 March 1944 USAF Aerial Photograph <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A photo taken slightly to the south of the 14 March 1944 photo showing the the main factory towards the top right of the photo and including the Coney Hill Council estate and also Eastern Avenue and Barnwood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/archive\/collections\/aerial-photos\/record\/US_7PH_GP_LOC234_V_5040<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 7 June 1946 RAF Aerial Photograph <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Historic England aerial photograph shows main factory, shadow factory and additional factory (known as Factory No.3) to the south as well as the extent of the runway (constructed in 1942). Extensive ranges of air raid shelters can be seen to the west of the main factory and in the area between the two factories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/archive\/collections\/aerial-photos\/record\/RAF_106G_UK_1558_RP_3018<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 31 August 1948 Aerofilms Photograph<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Described as Churchdown Hill and surrounding countryside but shows extent of Westfield Avenue and Westfield Road housing. Victoria Inn and corner of factory can also be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/archive\/collections\/aerial-photos\/record\/EAW018735<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 May 1957 Harold Wingham Photograph <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This photograph is centred on the Cross Hands Pub at the junction of the two then trunk roads of the A46 form Stroud to Cheltenham and the A417 from Gloucester to Cirencester. The Witcombe Hostel can be seen on the right handside of the Shurdington Road, even as late as 1965 it was reported to have 250 residents. The large housing development towards the top left is the Moorfield Housing estate developed by Gloucester Rural District Council in the mid 1950’s using a precast reinforced concrete frame by Hawksley under licence from Schindler-Gohner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11 September 1960 Harold Wingham Photographs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a series of photographs taken by Harold Wingham primarily of the factory buildings but also aspects of the surrounding development can also be seen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n HAW 9405 46 shows the main factory with the runway to the right, parts of Westfield Road and Westfield Avenue as well as Ermin Park and the main Ermin Street can also be seen<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/images-books\/archive\/collections\/aerial-photos\/record\/haw_9405_46<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n HAW 9405 47 is a close up of part of the factory site showing 5 of the barrel roofed hangers which were closest to the original entrance to the factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n