With a long history as a major hub of air travel, Gatwick Airport has served as a gateway between London and the rest of the world for millions of people. However even with all the things Gatwick is famous for, there are just as many elements of its history that are not quite as evident, and can be a joy for the inquisitive historian to discover.

#1 – Architectural Advances

Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal (named the ‘Beehive’) in 1936. Though they are commonplace these days, it was an extraordinary achievement for the time. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus. While passengers today might take the combined approach for granted, it all began at Gatwick and set the stage for future endeavors.

#2 – The Blitz

During the second World War, all available resources had to be turned toward keeping Britain safe from the German Luftwaffe. Gatwick participated when it was requisitioned by the RAF as a combat airfield, and provided service to a number of important operations necessary to keeping England’s skies clear of bombers.

#3 – Royal Attentions

Gatwick has been graced on two separate occasions with a Royal presence at important opening ceremonies. In 1956 the airport temporarily closed in order to undergo a major redevelopment, and it was Queen Elizabeth II who oversaw the ceremonies in 1958. Then, thirty years later, the Queen and Prince Phillip were also present for the opening of the new North Terminal as well.

#4 – From Jockeys to Pilots

The site where Gatwick now stands used to be used for horse racing. Now called Gatwick Airport Station, this point was originally the Gatwick Racecourse Station, and even retained this name up until the opening of the Beehive forty five years later. The course even served as a substitute for the Grand National when the bombings in World War I made it unsafe to use the original course.

#5 – Private Flying Club

Gatwick was not originally build to be a public airport. In the 20′s and 30′s, for example, it was a private flying club controlled by Ronald Waters. The Surrey Aero Club used their growing prestige to promote interest in flying in general, and helped contribute to the continued growth of the airfield, to the point that Gatwick received its first commercial flying licenses in 1934.

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Check out http://www.gatwickcarhire.org.uk if your require Gatwick car hire on arrival at Gatwick Airport.

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