Hatfield

 

A1001

two white reinforced-concrete buildings from the de Havilland  factory.

Comet Way

Former Hatfield Aerodrome for de Havilland. British Aerospace Hatfield closed in 1993. Hatfield Aerodrome now being re- developed.  Originally the de  Havilland flying club and in 1928 the construction of the Barnet by pass brought it close to the main road system.  Moved here from Edgeware. It was here the Comet was developed and the DH110.  Closed in 1992.

'Comet' Flight Test Hangar.  Innovative structure built 1952-54 to test and maintain the world's first jet airliner. Made from a new strainhardened aluminium alloy, HE, which is less prone to oxidation. It has portal-framed trusses with pin joints on welded steel bases and marked an increased sophistication over earlier aluminium structures. At 100 metres long, 14 metres high and with  a clear span of 61 metres, it was world's largest permanent aluminium structure. Integral office block, fire station and airport control tower. The fivestorey Tower added in 1954. By SMD Engineers Ltd and James M. Monro & Son. The building, listed grade II*, is converted into a keep-fit centre.

De Havilland Offices. Former de Havilland administration and design block, by Geoffrey Monro, 1934, now the Art and Design Department of the University of Hertfordshire. Listed grade II.

Comet Way

Comet Hotel opened 1936 for use by the London Flying Club and de Havillands. Outside, on a pole is a red painted model of famous, pre-war, recordbreaking, twin-engined Comet aeroplane, serving as an inn sign. Architect E. B. Musman (1888-1972)  for Benskin Brewery Company of Watford.

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