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Leavesden

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The airfield’s participation in the world of film production after closing began with the James Bond film GoldenEye. Since then the highly lucrative Harry Potter series of films have been produced at this location.

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Also known as: Leavesden Aerodrome / Leavesden Park
County: Hertfordshire
Current Status: Industry / Housing / Film studios
Date: 8 December 1941 - 31 March 1994
Current Use: Disused
Used By: Civil

Best known now as the home of Warner Bros, where parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed, the site for Leavesden airfield was purchased as a factory for aircraft production in 1940. The premises were leased to two organisations: London Aircraft Production Group and The Second Aircraft Group. Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers and de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bombers were built there during the Second World War. Production started with the Halifax, the first example of which flew at Leavesden on 8 December 1941 - 710 were built there. Manufacturing of Mosquitoes soon followed, totalling 1,476. After the Second World War Leavesden moved into the field of aircraft engine development and servicing and, following various company name changes, was run laterally in this capacity under the control of Rolls-Royce.

In time, Leavesden was also a general aviation airfield for civil flying organisations. Eventually Rolls-Royce departed during 1992/93 before the airfield's final closure in 1994. Today's cinematic activities can be traced to when the James Bond movie 'GoldenEye' was made there in 1995, Leavesden subtly being seen in the film. Warner Bros decided to make it their permanent base in 2010. Traces of the airfield, such as the two control towers, still remain although these are now, of course, private property and are not accessible to the public.



The following organisations are either based at, use and/or have at least potentially significant connections with the airfield (as at 01/07/2013):

  • Abbots Langley Local History Society
  • Abbots Langley Parish Council
  • Leavesden Studios Ltd
  • Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Notable Past Associated Organisations:

  • de Havilland Engine Company

Main unit(s) present:

  • No 122 GS
  • Aircruise Centre
  • British Section of Ninety Nines Inc
  • Chesswing
  • Coastal Command Communication Sqn
  • Directair
  • Eagle Aircraft Services
  • Executive Express
  • Humber Airways
  • Hunting Surveys
  • Leavesden Flight Centre
  • Leavesden Flying School
  • Speedwell Air Charter

Photographs and video from the unveiling of the ABCT marker at Leavesden on 24 May 2013:

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001IWM (ATP 12182B).jpg

A de Havilland Mosquito at Leavesden during the Second World War. © IWM (ATP 12182B)

002IWM (ATP 12861C).jpg

A de Havilland Mosquito at Leavesden during the Second World War. © IWM (ATP 12861C)

003IWM (ATP 12586C).jpg

A Handley Page Halifax at Leavesden during the Second World War. © IWM (ATP 12586C)

004geograph-613262-by-Martin-Addison.jpg

The grass parking area at the southwestern corner of the airfield, 26 November 1989. © Martin Addison and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

005geograph-613256-by-Martin-Addison.jpg

Aircraft parked outside hangars at Leavesden, 26 November 1989. © Martin Addison and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

006geograph-071811-by-Nigel-Cox.jpg

Leavesden studios, on the site of the airfield, 29 October 2005. © Nigel Cox and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

007Control Tower (Old) - 11 September 2009.png

The older control tower at Leavesden, 11 September 2009. © Richard Flagg

008Control Tower (Old) and Fire Section - 11 September 2009.png

The older control tower and fire section at Leavesden, 11 September 2009. © Richard Flagg

009Control Tower - 20 November 2015.png

The newer control tower at Leavesden, 20 November 2015. © Richard Flagg

010Harry Potter Studio Tour on the site of the old runway - 20 November 2015.png

Harry Potter Studio Tour on the site of the old runway, 20 November 2015. © Richard Flagg

An auto-gyro at Leavesden, 1960. Courtesy of British Pathé

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