Hucknall

Hucknall, formerly known as Hucknall Torkard, is a town in Nottinghamshire, England, in the district of Ashfield.

Industry

Textiles

Framework knitting was once the predominant industry in Hucknall.

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Mining

It was a major coal mining town at one time.

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The Hucknall Colliery Company, formed in 1861 sank two shafts, Hucknall No. 1 colliery (know as "Top Pit") in 1861 (off Watnall Road) and Hucknall No. 2 colliery (known as "Bottom Pit") in 1866 (off Portland Road).

Related Topics:
1861 - 1866

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No. 1 closed by 1943, and No. 2 closed in 1986.

Related Topics:
1943 - 1986

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Rolls Royce

During World War II, the aerodrome at Hucknall was the location of the first flight of a P-51 Mustang fitted with a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine. The fitting of the merlin engine, replacing the existing Allison V-1710 engine allowed the Mustang airframe to reach its full potential and achieve spectacular high altitude performance, something the Allison engine could not provide.

Related Topics:
World War II - P-51 Mustang - Rolls Royce - Merlin Engine - Allison V-1710

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In the early 1950s, the Rolls Royce site at Hucknall developed the world's first vertical-takeoff jet 'aircraft' - actually, a test rig, officially called the Thrust Measuring Rig, but soon nicknamed the "Flying Bedstead" because of its shape. The first untethered flight, piloted by Capt. Ron Shepherd, took place on 3 August 1954 before a distinguished audience.

Related Topics:
Rolls Royce - Thrust Measuring Rig - Flying Bedstead - 3 August - 1954

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The rig rose slowly into the air and hovered steadily. It then moved forward, made a circuit of the area, then demonstrated sideways and backwards movements before making a successful landing.

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The flight was a tremendous success and during the next four months a number of free flights were made, up to a height of 50 ft. There are pubs in Hucknall called "The Flying Bedstead" and "The Harrier".

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During World War 2, a German prisoner-of-war, Franz von Werra, attempted to escape by posing as a Dutch pilot and flying off in a Hurricane fighter. He was unsuccessfull. His exploits can be seen in the film 'The One That Got Away'.

Related Topics:
World War 2 - Franz von Werra - Hurricane - 'The One That Got Away'

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