The original Harpsfield Hall stood nearby and was approached by a long driveway, across open fields. It seems to have been built in the early 19th century, when it replaced a larger, older house of the same name, described as ‘a commodious residence with pleasure grounds’. The later hall was demolished in the 1930s to make way for the main runway of the new Hatfield Aerodrome. This pub stands at the corner of the old aerodrome site.
A plaque documenting the history of Harpsfield Hall.
The plaque reads: These licensed premises are at the front of Comet Square which occupies part of the former Hartfield Aerodrome site. In 1930, the de Havilland Aircraft Company moved to Harpsfield Hall was a ‘commodious residence’, approached by a long driveway across open fields, incorporating part of the much older hall of the same name.
The hall was demolished to make way for the airport’s main runway.
These premises were built by J D Wetherspoon and opened in December 2015.
An aerial shot of Hatfield Aerodrome.
The Hatfield Aerodrome layout.
Artwork inspired by Hatfield’s history of flying.
A photograph of Girl Guide camp at Hatfield Park – two girls climb on a roof and dangle a dummy during a fire drill, 1918.
A photograph of Amy Mollison (Amy Johnson) before the start of the King’s Cup air race from Hatfield Aerodrome.
A photograph of officers from the air transport No.5 ferry pilots women’s section based at Hatfield, 1940.
A photograph of Moira Boyd BEA air hostess strapped to the top wing of a de Havilland tiger moth. She signals she is ready for take off!
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
Extract from Wetherspoon News Summer 2017.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk