[Scott Edwards]

I am studying A level history at Chasetown High School and as part of the course I have to write a four hour essay (hence I have to find out lots of in-depth info!), using notes, on an area of history of my choice. As I am an aviation enthusiast I decided to study the history of Birmingham International Airport - formally known as Elmdon Aerodrome.

I have found some information on the internet but it is insufficient. I still need to find planning applications and permission for buildings on the airfield, its uses in more detail before, during and after World War 2, various parliamentary acts affecting the airport (eg the Airports Act 1986), why it was built on that site originally and why it expanded with the new terminals in the way that it did.

Any help is much appreciated; even if it is just suggesting information sources that may be of use.

Many thanks


Scott Edwards

[Jane]

Why not put the request on the GA discussion forum - more responses there.

[Martin Cowan]

Hi Scott

Have you thought about approaching the airport management directly? Or how about the City Council, who must have been heavily involved in the recent (c. 40 years) growth of the airport? As far as the web goes a good place to go is pprune.org, this is a very active aviation forum, suggest you post something in the Questions or Nostalgia forums.

[Neil Gascoigne]

primary evidence - records office!

So how many words is a "four hour" essay?

[Mike Jerram]

Scott,

There have been several books published specifically on the history of Elmdon. Check out your local library's book/author database. In addition, Mike Bowyer's 'Action Stations Vol. 6 Military Airfields of the Cotswolds and Central Midlands' gives much historyof the site, particularly the circumstances in which the airfield was built, politics, the Austin Motors connection etc. I think the book is out of print, but the edition I have was published by Patrick Stephens Ltd in 1983, ISBN 0-85059-529-0. One of the specialist suppliers such as Midland Counties Publications might be able to find you a copy if the library doesn't have it.

[Scott Edwards]

About 2500 words upwards!

[Rob Pritchard]

"About 2500 words upwards!"

Gosh!

Neil G writes 'thank you' notes longer than that




Rob P

[Neil Gascoigne]

Rob, Oi!


-Neil-

B.Sc. Computer Science (including a 6-month, 10000 dissertation that turned out to be 2 weeks and 20000 words!)

Tip: Seriously though Scott, university libraries, if you can get in, are much better than municiple libraries when doing research.