Claverton
CLAVERTON: Balloon launching site, later model flying and temporary 'aerodrome'. Originally known as Norwood Farm.
Location: Where the University of Bath is located
Period of operation: Periodically from the late 19th century until the mid 1930s
NOTES: Tim Hill has kindly provided a lot more information for this 'Guide'. "I said that Claverton is where the Uni is located in Bath - in fact the Flying Field is now right under the Uni! It was at Norwood Farm, and early references call it 'Patrick Young Alexander's Flying Field', although to date I haven't found much indication of him actually using it - most of his balloon flights seem to have taken off his home at Batheaston or in Sydney Gardens."
"The field at Claverton is mentioned in the early days mostly in connection with model flying, but in later years it was used by the real thing - some of Cobham's aircraft used it in April 1934 (the glider pilot Joan Meakin seems to get most of the press)." [My note: 19th April 1934]. "And it was also used in August 1935 by Jubilee Air Displays."
"There doesn't seem to be too much written about Jubilee Air Displays - they clearly brought a number of their rather disparate fleet since formations are mentioned, but the only aircraft that is positively identified in the press is their Monospar (G-ADDZ)." My note: This was the GAL Monospar ST-12, first registered on the 4th April 1935.
"Cobham though seems to have been impressed with the site if the press reports are correct, and it was touted for a time as being the best site for Bath Airport. The idea of an airport for Bath had been kicked around for some years with all three of the main sites (Chapel Farm, Glasshouse Farm and Claverton) being promoted at different times, but there was never any sign of support from Bath Council."
This is rather interesting because, although WHITCHURCH was being developed south of Bristol, and about eight miles away via a tortuous road system, a regional 'airport' at Bath would probably have consisted of little more than a windsock and perhaps a tent or shack to act as a 'terminal'. Operating, more than likely, during the summer months only. So what was the problem?
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