Lancashire Lantern
Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers
Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
Frank Whittle - Production moves to Barnoldswick
Rover were initially given the contract to produce the W2 jet engine for the Gloster Meteor.
They decided to move production to Clitheroe and Barnoldswick to escape the heavy German bombing of their Midlands headquarters.
Bankfield Mill was chosen as the main manufacturing site in Barnoldswick.
Rover moved here to develop their top-secret war time project in 1940.
Bracewell Hall, left, was used as offices by Rover, and later, Rolls-Royce
In 1942, Rolls-Royce took over the contract from Rover, and assumed control of the Bankfield site in 1943.
The Meteor fighter was ready for service in 1944.
The factory at Ghyll Brow was also acquired by Roll-Royce and used for testing the assembled aero engines.
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