Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire: Funfair Ride Builders Told to Build Aircraft Hangers

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George Orton initially was a wheelwright and coachbuilder. Charles Spooner was a woodcarver. Both were based in Burton-on-Trent. The two firms worked together from 1894, and were referred to collectively as Orton and Spooner. Between them they made helter-skelters, switchback rides, elaborate carriages and scenic railways. In 1914, the government requisitioned their works. During World War One they made portable aircraft hangers. They were chosen for this work because of their expertise in building portable wooden structures. The company finally closed for business in 1977. Today a road in Burton is named after George Orton. Location: George Orton Court, Burton-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE14 2PD Image: George Orton Sons and Spooner Ltd works, courtesy of National Fairground Archive