Farnborough, Hampshire
Farnborough | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 Clock Tower in Farnborough town centre | |
| Etymology: The name Farnborough originates from the Saxon place name 'Ferneberga', meaning 'fern covered hill'. | |
| Coordinates: 51°17′N 0°45′W / 51.29°N 0.75°WCoordinates: 51°17′N 0°45′W / 51.29°N 0.75°W ⧼validator-fatal-error⧽ | |
| Country | England |
| Region | South East England |
| County | Hampshire |
| Borough | Rushmoor |
| Government | |
| • Type | Local government district |
| • Body | Rushmoor Borough Council |
| • Council Leader | David Clifford (Conservative) |
| • MPs | Leo Docherty |
| Area | |
| • Total | 12.6 km2 (4.9 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 57,486 |
| • Density | 4,558/km2 (11,810/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Farnboroughian |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (GMT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+1 (BST) |
| Postcode | GU14 |
| Dialling code | 01252, 01276 |
| Website | www |
Farnborough is a town located in the Rushmoor Borough of Hampshire, England. It has a population of around 57,486 as of the 2011 census[1] and is an important centre of aviation, engineering and technology, known for its association with the Farnborough Airshow, Farnborough Airport, Royal Aircraft Establishment, and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
History[edit]
Pre-history and early settlements[edit]
The earliest evidence of human settlement around Farnborough dates back thousands of years, with flint tools and other artefacts from the Mesolithic period indicating the presence of hunter-gatherer communities. During the Neolithic period, the region saw increasing agricultural activity and the development of more permanent settlements. The area continued to be inhabited throughout the Bronze Age and Iron Age, with hillforts and other archaeological evidence indicating the presence of larger, more organized settlements.
Saxon Farnborough[edit]
Following the end of Roman rule, the area was gradually absorbed into the emerging Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The modern name "Farnborough" derives from the Old English "Ferneberga", meaning "fern-covered hill". Farnborough is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as a small hamlet within the larger manor of Crondall.
The rise of Farnborough[edit]
Farnborough began to grow and develop more rapidly from the late 18th century onwards, driven by improved transportation links and its proximity to London. The construction of the London and South Western Railway in the 1830s, with a station at Farnborough, greatly enhanced the town's accessibility and connectivity. This, combined with its healthy climate and picturesque rural setting, attracted an influx of wealthy London commuters and helped transform Farnborough into more of a suburban residential area.
The aviation era arrives[edit]
The most transformative event in Farnborough's history came in 1917, when the government selected the town's airfield as the new home of the recently formed Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). This decision catapulted Farnborough into becoming a globally significant centre for aeronautical research and development. The establishment of the RAE, and the influx of skilled engineers and technicians it brought, had a profound impact on Farnborough's subsequent growth and character. Major aerospace companies were attracted to set up factories and facilities in the area, further cementing the town's reputation as a hub of British aviation.
In the decades following the Second World War, Farnborough continued to expand rapidly, with the development of major new business parks, light industrial estates and residential areas to accommodate the growing population. The town also became renowned globally as the host of the biennial Farnborough Airshow, one of the world's largest and most important aerospace trade events.
Today, Farnborough remains a thriving centre of aviation, engineering and high-tech industries, with the RAE's legacy continuing to shape the town's economy and identity.
Geography and climate[edit]
Topography and geology[edit]
Farnborough is located in the northeastern corner of the county of Hampshire, near the border with Surrey. The town occupies a valley setting, with the main urban area situated between the River Blackwater to the east and higher ground to the west. Geologically, Farnborough lies on a foundation of London Clay, overlain by deposits of sandy and gravelly Bagshot Beds from the Eocene epoch.
Climate[edit]
Farnborough experiences a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb), typical of southeastern England. Summers are generally warm and dry, with average daily high temperatures around 22°C (72°F). Winters are mild, with average highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows around 2°C (36°F). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with an annual average of around 760mm (30 inches).
Economy and employment[edit]
Aviation and aerospace[edit]
Farnborough's economy has been inextricably linked to the aviation and aerospace industries since the early 20th century, when the town was selected as the site for the newly-established Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). The RAE, founded in 1917, quickly became a globally significant centre for aeronautical research and development. It attracted a large number of skilled engineers, scientists and technicians to live and work in Farnborough, and its presence also drew major aerospace companies to establish facilities in the local area.
Beyond the RAE itself, Farnborough has continued to be home to a wide range of aerospace and defence companies to the present day. Major employers in the sector include QinetiQ, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and numerous smaller specialist firms. The town's economy remains heavily reliant on these high-tech industries, which collectively provide thousands of skilled jobs for local residents.
The Farnborough Airshow, held biennially at the town's airport, is another key part of the local aviation economy. This globally significant trade event attracts aerospace firms, airlines, militaries and aviation enthusiasts from around the world, providing a major boost to Farnborough's businesses and profile.
Other industries and services[edit]
While aerospace and defence remain the bedrock of Farnborough's economy, the town has also developed a diversified commercial and service sector in recent decades. The Farnborough Aerospace Centre and the IQ Farnborough business parks are home to a wide range of companies operating in fields such as information technology, engineering, professional services, and manufacturing. Firms like Siemens, Oracle, and Fluor Corporation have established major facilities or UK headquarters in these developments.
Farnborough also has a thriving retail and hospitality industry centred around its town centre. The Kingsmead, Queensmead and Princesmead shopping precincts provide a range of high street shops, supermarkets, cafés, bars and restaurants. There are also out-of-town retail parks like Solartron and Horizon catering to consumer demand.
Education[edit]
Primary and secondary schools[edit]
Farnborough has a well-established network of primary and secondary schools catering to the educational needs of the local community. The town's primary schools include Cove School, Fernhill School, Salesian Catholic Primary School, and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School. At the secondary level, Farnborough is home to three non-selective, co-educational comprehensive schools: Cove School, Fernhill School, and The Wavell School. In addition to these state-maintained schools, Farnborough also has two independent Roman Catholic secondary schools: Farnborough Hill (girls' school) and Salesian College (boys' school).
Further and higher education[edit]
Farnborough is home to two prominent further education institutions: The Sixth Form College, Farnborough and Farnborough College of Technology. The Sixth Form College, Farnborough is a large state-funded sixth form college that draws students from across the local area. It offers a wide range of A-level, vocational and technical qualifications, with around 4,000 enrolments annually. Farnborough College of Technology specialises in further education for students aged 16-18 as well as higher education programmes for adults. The college has strong connections to industry, providing vocational qualifications across various technical fields in association with awarding bodies.
Notable residents[edit]
- French emperor Napoleon III, his wife Empress Eugenie and son Louis Napoleon are entombed in the crypt at Saint Michael's Abbey, although it was only Eugenie who was a resident of Farnborough while alive. Their former house was turned into an independent Boarding school and convent set in 64 acres of ground, Farnborough Hill Convent.
- Anne Robinson went to school in Farnborough.
- Former Middlesex County Cricket Club captain Shaun Udal, who also played for Hampshire and at international level for England, was born and raised here.
- T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was posted to RAF Farnborough for a photography course in 1922 and is thought to have lived in Farnborough for 6 weeks.
- Actress Janet Wright was born in Farnborough before moving to Canada as a child.
See also[edit]
Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough Airshow Farnborough Airport
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Population Estimates for U.K., England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Mid-2021". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
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