EXPLORE PLACES THROUGH TIME

Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England Then & Now

Discover how Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England has changed through historic and modern photographs.

A little history of Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England

Brockworth, situated in Gloucestershire, England, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The name "Brockworth" is believed to derive from the Old English terms "broc" (brook) and "worth" (enclosure), indicating its origins near a brook. The settlement is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book, where it was held by Hugh the Ass and valued at 5 pounds.

A notable landmark is St George's Church, consecrated in 1142, making it one of the earliest churches in England dedicated to St George. Adjacent to the church stands Brockworth Court, a Tudor manor house built between 1534 and 1539 for Richard Hart, the last prior of Llanthony Priory.

In the 20th century, Brockworth gained prominence as the site of the Gloster Aircraft Company, established in 1915. The company produced notable aircraft, including the Hawker Hurricane during World War II and Britain's first jet aircraft, the Gloster Meteor, which made its first test flight from Brockworth's airfield in 1941.

Today, Brockworth is renowned for the annual cheese rolling event on Cooper's Hill, a tradition that has attracted participants worldwide. The event involves competitors chasing a nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill, with the cheese reaching speeds of over 70 miles per hour. The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese.

Explore Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England comparisons