Thanks to the two readers who kindly pointed out that the Linley Wood camp – occupied post World War Two by homeless families under the then remarkable and widespread ‘squatting’ movement – is actually shown on the archive 1945 Google Earth imagery.
I did, of course, feature a map drawn by Malcolm Clarke here a few days ago, drafted from memory. His map is startlingly accurate.
From the Google Earth 1945 imagery – the camp and Linley Woods (camp on right lower, woods central lower).
Both the young David Evans and Martin Layton spotted this, thanks to them both.
Martin said:
I was intrigued by this map [The one Malcolm drew of the camp from memory] , and couldn’t place it, but I think I’ve cracked it now, the sketch is south up.
If you use Google Earth, find where Middlemore Lane West crosses the railway line, and then use the timeline imagery to go back to 1945 the camp is visible, the entrance is at 52° 36.091’N 1° 56.593’W.
No need to whizz off to Google Earth, I have the screenshots. I’ve flipped Malcolm’s map so it’s now north up, and as you can see, it’s very accurate considering the 70 or so years between then and now.
You can compare the two side-by-side below:
Of course, today no trace remains, but the Wood has tenaciously hung on, and has it’s own mythology and legend.
If Glynis Edwards is reading, I’ll be in touch in the next day or so. Cheers.
Comments or clarifications? brownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com, or throw your hat in the ring with a comment here, you’re always welcome. Thanks.
Linley Wood as seen today on Apple Maps. Note the camp has been completely obliterated by industrial development.