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.