Glasshouse Farm
Note: This map only gives an approximate position within the UK.
GLASSHOUSE FARM: Aviation Week venue (Aka COMBE DOWN)
Location: Roughly 2nm S of Bath city centre
NOTES: Here again I have Mr Tim Hill to thank for this information. This is quoted from the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 25th May 1912.
"There is every prospect of a record attendance at the Combe Down flying ground yesterday. Thursday held fine, and four or five thousand in the field and double the number on the ground outside saw excellent exhibitions by Mr Grahame White, Mr B. C. Hucks and Mr W.H. Ewen. The last named was especially considerate of those who had paid their entrance fees, for after his flight he demonstrated the ease with which his Caudron biplane can be manipulated after landing. He returned to Hendon on Thursday night by train, and Mr Hucks will be left to interest the crowd until the arrival of Mr Gustave Hamel."
In those days all pilots were the equivalent of major 'rock stars', but Gustave Hamel was the 'Star turn'. It now appears he promised his intention was to make an attempt at the world record altitude whilst at this meeting in Bath. Presumably he didn't achieve it, but the draw for the event must have been considerable. We must of course remember that in those days very few people had seen an aeroplane, let alone one in flight. Quite probably they'd never seen a balloon either, although these had been flying in the UK for over a century.
MORE INFORMATION AND MAPS
In January 2021 Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide' decided to take an interest in this flying site. To my great surprise, he found proof that this location was used in May 1932 by the Modern Airways Ltd tour, also known as the 'Crimson Fleet'. But of course the main claim to fame came in 1912. All this additional material has been provided by Mike Holder.
NOTES: The advert was placed in the Western Daily Press on the 23rd May 1912. Note the comment that, for motors, drivers will be admitted free if in livery. This reminds us that in those days pretty much only the wealthy could afford to own a car, and invariably a chaffeur would be employed to drive it.
The first newspaper article is of special interest, as it includes an account of Claude Grahame-White flying across from HENDON, NW of London. The third newspaper article is from the Bath Chronicle published on the 18th May 1912. The fourth article is from the Wiltshire Times published in the 14th May 1932.
What Mike and myself cannot seem to find, is any evidence of this location being used between 1912 and 1932. This of course seems to be a most unlikely set of circumstances? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be much appreciated.
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