Bilbrook History

The name “Bilbrook” may have come from the word “Billars”(a watercress-like plant which grows in water), and the stream which flows through Bilbrook, the Moat “Brook”.  It is thought that billars grew in the Moatbrook for centuries.  The Moatbrook, which flows into the River Penk at Pendeford, forms much of the northern boundary of the Civil Parish of Bilbrook. The River Penk flows into the River Sow, which is a tributary of the River Trent, so its waters flow into the North Sea via the Humber Estuary.

Lane Green and Bilbrook were originally 2 separate hamlets, and the Old Village Green on the corner of Bilbrook Road and Joey’s Lane was the original Bilbrook green. It was here that John Wesley came on at least 9 occasions to preach. The first of his visits was in April 1751. The painting below depicts Wesley preaching and is believed to be one of his visits to Bilbrook. The photograph shows the Old Green as it is today. 

The Boulton Paul Aircraft factory was built in Bilbrook in the 1930’s and had a massive impact on the village, with around 600 skilled employees moving from Norwich to Bilbrook.

The company underwent several name changes.  It was eventually sold to Moog Inc., which moved to new premises at the I54 business park (still within the Civil Parish of Bilbrook).

The original factory had a Boulton Paul Museum operated by the Boulton Paul Association, which was made up of former employees.  It was dedicated to Boulton Paul aircraft and the traditional methods used to manufacture their aircraft.    A replica of a Defiant was constructed using many original parts over several years.   Sadly, the museum closed in 2013.  The Defiant replica was donated to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge, where it is still on display.

An original Defiant from 1940, is displayed in the Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford. It was built in Bilbrook and fought as a night fighter (which is why it is painted black, for camouflage) in a Polish squadron during the early part of World War II.  The Defiant suffered terrible losses as a day-fighter as it was meant to be a bomber-destroyer, and not expected to have to deal with enemy fighters.  In its role as a night-fighter, it had some success.  

The outline of the defiant plane is seen on the Parish Logo, the war memorial, Bilbrook Village Green bollards and various heritage signs throughout the Parish.

As part of our Neighbourhood Planning we have put together a document about all of Bilbrook’s heritage and history. The document can be downloaded below:

BB05 Bilbrook Heritage

If you know more about the history and heritage of Bilbrook and would like to tell us about it, we’d love to hear from you.

Gifted by the Twentyman family for recreation to be available to the residents of Bilbrook. This area was part of the grounds of Bilbrook Manor. Subsequently added to by the Parish Council, it is now triple the original area.  It provides facilities for all ages and activities.  A charity, the Twentyman Playing Fields Association, manages the land, with Bilbrook Parish Council as the landlord. The site also includes a MUGA, outdoor gym, playpark, skatepark and changing room facilities

We are proud of Bilbrook’s long and interesting history, which has shaped who we are today.  If you grew up in Bilbrook, remember a special event or know stories about the old days? We would love to hear your memories, as we would like to keep a record of our history.

A transcript by Judy Davies of two audio tapes recorded in 1987 and 1989 with Mr. Leedham, a gentleman then in his eighties who had come to live in Bilbrook in 1918. His father was one of the ex-soldiers from the Great War who were given small-holdings in various parts of the country after the war finished.

A big thank you to Judy Davies of the Codsall and Bilbrook History Society, who has researched and written a book on the history of Bilbrook.

We have a few copies in the Parish office for £5.