Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction
Derrick cranes JLP01_01_007_21
Filename: jlp01_01_007_21.jpg
Size: 8272 x 6200 (8.3MB)
Date: 11th February 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Derrick cranes JLP01_01_007_21
FILTON AIRFIELD, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE. An aerial view showing derrick cranes and a concrete batching plant amid heaps of aggregate at Filton Airfield, during the construction of a new runway.
Laing extended the runway westwards at Filton Airfield to accommodate the Bristol Brabazon airliner, which was being built at the airfield. Work began in July 1946 on the new runway, which was 2, 725 yards long and 100 yards wide. The work required the requisitioning and removal of Charlton village and a temporary flying strip was laid, for use while the new runway was under construction. The negative of this print was digitised and catalogued as part of the Britain from Above project
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24350683
© Historic England Archive
1940s Airfield Building Construction Machinery
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This aerial view captures the bustling construction site at Filton Airfield in South Gloucestershire during the 1940s. The print showcases a multitude of derrick cranes and a concrete batching plant amidst towering heaps of aggregate, all working tirelessly to create a new runway. The expansion project was undertaken by Laing to accommodate the impressive Bristol Brabazon airliner, which was being built right at this very airfield. In July 1946, work commenced on the ambitious endeavor, resulting in a remarkable runway measuring 2,725 yards long and 100 yards wide. To make way for this grand development, Charlton village had to be requisitioned and removed entirely from its original location. As an interim solution while the new runway took shape, a temporary flying strip was laid nearby. Preserved as part of the Britain from Above project, this digitized negative print offers us an extraordinary glimpse into history. It not only highlights the magnitude of engineering involved but also emphasizes how progress often requires sacrifice and adaptation. With its rich historical significance and stunning aerial perspective capturing every detail of building machinery in action, this photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination during one of aviation's most transformative eras.
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