Filton airfield began operating from 1910. With the advent of the Great War, the site became a hotbed for the embryonic armed forces and this hangar was built in 1917. It is known as 16U, a Belfast type with characteristic wooden latticework prepared in Belfast and shipped over. This system of building was a response to the shortages imposed at the time but became a familiar sight on many British airfields. The hangar was used as a service area for the Royal Flying Corps.
It became home to operational R.A.F. aircraft from 1929. During WWII it hosted a number of squadrons, notably 501 – Bristol’s pride, the County of Gloucester. Understandably, the whole area of aircraft and manufacturing industries was attacked several times.
Fast forward to 2019: the whole airfield is closed to flying and is due to be transformed into what is, in effect, a new town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants. The runway, all 2.5km (8,094 ft) of it, is being ripped up but the old Grade II hangar will remain. It will have a completely new interior that offers a variety of leisure and commercial uses.