1 Beginnings and the Beacon 6 Community The Beacon was an important The aerodrome contributed navigational device in the 1930s. a tremendous amount to the Removed in the 1980s, it was community in Hatfi eld through repaired and reinstated in 2011 sports competitions, clubs, as an iconic monument to concerts, and popular public Hatfi eld’s aviation history. open days. 2 The Early Years 7 Design Innovation The aerodrome’s facilities In 1941 the Comet Racer was Hatfi eld Aerodrome became known for staging the fastest aeroplane in the sky major aviation events. and in 1948 the Vampire jet The RAF’s Elementary Flying fi ghter achieved a world record Training School, based at the height of 59,446 feet. Heritage Trail aerodrome, trained over 3000 RAF and Army pilots. 3 The Runway 8 Administration Block and The Gipsy Moth and the Tiger the bombing Moth aeroplanes could frequently The administration block was be seen taking off from the the hub of the aerodrome. It was aerodrome site. painted in camoufl age colours First fl own in 1931, the Tiger to avoid being bombed during Moth went on to become the the War. Also here is the Police main primary training aeroplane Station’s tribute to de Havilland - for the RAF until the 1950s. the Walk of Memories. 4 Astwick Manor 9 The Gatehouse The Astwick estate was held by This is another surviving the Bassingbourne family from listed building from the early the thirteenth to the sixteenth days, which stands next to century. In 1949 the Manor what was the main entrance became the new headquarters to the aerodrome. of the de Havilland Aeronautical Technical School. 5 Rocket Development 10 The Comet The aerodrome became a centre This stands before the Flight for rocket research, design and Test Hangar, where the Comet development. Innovations in jet airliner was maintained. missile and rocket technology Completed in 1954 it was the were developed at the site largest aluminium building in including the Firestreak and the the world, measuring 200 by Blue Streak. 300 feet. Content written by Abi Wilson, UH History student Within easy access of London, yet situated amid delightful Hertfordshire country surroundings, University of Hertfordshire Sponsored by “ School of Humanities Hatfi eld Aerodrome is undoubtedly the largest College Lane Hatfi eld and fi nest private fl ying ground in Great Britain Hertfordshire From ‘Hatfi eld Aerodrome’ (1936) AL10 9AB With 3 bars and a warm, friendly atmosphere LOTTERY FUNDED Telephone 01707 284800 Club de Havilland is the perfect place to end ” go.herts.ac.uk/dehavillandproject your heritage tour with a drink and a meal. A Brief Introduction In 1930 Geoffrey de Havilland (1882 – 1965), aviation The creation of a new headquarters and a factory for the de pioneer and founder of the de Havilland Aircraft Havilland Aircraft Company in 1934 marked the beginning Company, began moving his business from Stag Lane of Hatfi eld’s aviation industry. The Heritage Trail is a way for in North London to the small town of Hatfi eld. the local community and visitors to explore Hatfi eld’s heritage and discover its aviation and rocket history. The Heritage Trail consists of ten boards placed around the former aerodrome. Each board is in a relevant location and provides information C Astwick on the aerodrome’s remarkable history. O O NE Manor Farm PERS GREE N LA 4 HA TF IE LD AV Y E A NU W E R E H S I B O R F Pond Offices H A T F IE L D A V E N U E E U N E V A H 6 T O Sub M Y 7 HE S AR P IE Y W G A Y Y A S W Y E L Y R F R O E I D T L I L U T I E N Q TCLO E G H S S RC I G E O T H A I CHA H W R R S I A M D S P M M U N W K A R C D Y H L A L A S H E RY T U H S B L I E A S R U N W A Y Hatfield 1 0 Police 0 Station 1 ) A M WAL K ( H A R E L E D F O R 1 U A O N R T A GR E AM O V V E N B A L O IN G Ellenbrook M W A A A M E Y A Y T Y A R R I H A H D Park R G U W T L I 9 N Q L N I H S A E G T T N KFC O O N N O T W N U O 10 M M C N R N E LAM W F I G U N T I A G Y T O CL D L E I V E Hatfield Busines Park F R I AY D W O D S T R S A H Y A W T University of Hertfordshire M O C Full Trail 1 Shorter Trail Option O 1. Beginnings and R T T the Beacon A A A A B B C L L 7 AV 2. The Early Years A A 05 E 1 ND Playing Field A Ramada I T ) S 3. The Runway ES H W M W AD ( A S RO Y 4. Astwick Manor ST ALBAN 1 A 5. Rocket Development 6. Community 7. Design Innovation 8. Administration Block and the Bombing The full trail is about 4km long and takes approximately 90 minutes to walk. 9. The Gatehouse The shorter trail option is about 3km long and takes approximately 60 minutes to walk. 10. The Comet.