Government Research Establishment, Westcott

Location/Address

None recorded

Type

Other site, structure or landscape

Assets that cannot fit any of the other categories. This category includes sites of archaeological interest, where the original form and function may not be apparent without the use of archaeological techniques and interpretation.

Description

Cold War rocket test facility and rocket motor factory at Westcott airfield. Guided Projectile Establishment (later Rocket Propulsion Department) set up on site by Ministry of Supply to study rocket propulsion. Linked to Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey. Became Rocket Propulsion Establishment in 1958. Later merged in 1973 with Waltham Abbey site and further reorganisation in 1977 created the Propellants, Explosives and Rocket Motor Establishment (PERME). Sites split in 1984 in lead up to privatisation of Royal Ordnance, Westcott passing to Royal Ordnance. MPP Cold War remains assessment.

Map

Statement of Significance

Asset type

Cold War rocket test facility and rocket motor factory at Westcott airfield.

Images and Documents

Photo
Westcott%201988.jpg

Aerial photo of the Government Research Establishment at Westcott airfield in 1988

Photo
Westcott.jpg

© Buckinghamshire Council

Date Listed

11 Jan 2023

Last Updated

20 Oct 2022

Find Out More

Find out more about this Asset in Buckinghamshire's Local Heritage List:
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/buckinghamshire/asset/3138