Borough of Rushmoor
The Borough of Rushmoor in north east Hampshire was formed in 1974 by the combination of the towns of Aldershot and Farnborough. The towns have many historic places to visit, modern leisure and sporting facilities, shopping centres and many pubs and restaurants. Good road and rail links provide easy access to London (40 minutes by train) and nearby towns and cities such as Guildford, Camberley, Woking, Basingstoke, Reading, Winchester and Southampton.
Go to Rushmoor Borough Council website for details of travel and leisure facilities in the Borough
Aldershot
Aldershot is famous for being the home of the British Army since 1853. As many as 25,000 troops were stationed here from the beginning of the First World War until the end of the Second World War. However changes in technology, the world political situation and government policy on dispersal means that there are now around 3,000 troops based in Aldershot. Much army land is now being sold for urban housing and other developments.
Wellington Statue Aldershot Aldershot Officers Mess 1856
A fascinating insight to the history of Aldershot and the Army base can be gained by visiting the Aldershot Military Museum
Aldershot town also has many fine Victorian buildings and excellent recreational facilities as well as a famous football club - Aldershot Town FC.
Aldershot Town Centre Aldershot Lido
Farnborough
Aviation
Farnborough's world famous connection with aviation goes back to 1905 when 'His Majesty's Balloon Factory' was set up in the town. This later became the 'Royal Aircraft Factory', which has since gone through many changes to become today's 'QinetiQ', a hi-tech global defence and security systems company. Farnborough remains at the hub of world aeronautical research, innovation in aviation and increasingly, in medical technology.
Farnborough and its aviation research centres and facilities have been responsible for many significant developments in world aviation. Sir Frank Whittle tested the first British jet engine on Farnborough's airfield; contributions were made to the development of 'Concorde' and a world renowned air accident investigation centre is based in Farnborough.
In 1908 an American called Samuel Cody made the first recorded powered flight in Great Britain at Farnborough airfield. Since then and up until recent times, the airfield, which is the oldest in Great Britain, was used for military purposes. Today, it is Europe's premier business airport used exclusively by the corporate sector. It is also the site of the world famous Farnborough International Airshow held every two years which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Samuel Cody Farnborough Airshow Red Arrows
The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum, located adjoining the airfield is well worth a visit and traces Farnborough's role in the development of aviation with many fascinating exhibits including famous aircraft from the past.
The French Connection
St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough is a working monastery where the French Emperor Napoleon III, Empress Eugenie and their son Prince Louis are buried. A Community of Benedictine monks lives in the monastery and their privacy must be respected. Visitors are welcome at certain times and for some church services. The Abbey also has a French organ, and organ recitals by well known organists are given from time to time. For details see the web site.
Empress Eugenie lived in a house on Farnborough Hill nearby, which is now an indepependent school for girls.