A Brief History of Chilwell
Early Origins
Chilwell is a suburban area within the borough of Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire—initially recorded as a small hamlet on the road between Nottingham and Ashby-de-la-Zouch and mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It historically formed part of the parish of Attenborough Chilwell Manor Golf Club+15Wikipedia+15Francis Frith+15. By the early 19th century, it boasted a civil township population of over 600, though ecclesiastically it remained tied to Attenborough southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk.
Growth & Local Industry
From the 17th century, the Charlton family established their residence in Chilwell, contributing to the area’s development Pinterest+15nottshistory.org.uk+15nottshistory.org.uk+15. By the late 19th century, the Thompson family had operated a brickyard near School Lane for over a century—a key local enterprise from at least 1865 onwards Nottingham Hidden History Team.
World War I and the “VC Factory”
Chilwell’s defining historical chapter came during World War I with the establishment of the National Shell Filling Factory No. 6, often referred to as the "VC Factory." Set up in 1915 in response to shell shortages, it filled some 19 million shells—over half of Britain’s high-explosive output during the war The Historic England Blog+4Wikipedia+4quercuscommunity+4.
Tragically, on 1 July 1918, a devastating explosion at the factory killed 134 workers and injured over 250—the worst accidental munitions explosion in Britain during the war The Historic England Blog+3Wikipedia+3Heritage Gateway+3. A memorial, featuring a pyramid and obelisk surrounded by shell casings, now stands at the site (inside what is now Chetwynd Barracks) commemorating the lost lives; it is Grade II listed Wikipedia+2Heritage Gateway+2.
Post-War Developments & Military Use
After WWI, the site was converted into a depot for the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and later became Chetwynd Barracks, which remains operational to this day (though slated for closure in 2026) Wikipedia+1. The suburb continued to develop, especially from the 1930s onward, gradually merging visually with neighboring Beeston and Toton as housing expanded Pinterest+5broxtowe.gov.uk+5Nottingham Hidden History Team+5.
Community & Modern Era
The Chilwell Manor Golf Club was established in 1906 on lands near the old manor house, with its original nine-hole layout designed by Tom Williamson nottshistory.org.uk+11Chilwell Manor Golf Club+11Wikipedia+11.
Mid-20th century saw the construction of the Inham Nook estate—a council housing area—along with St Barnabas’s Church in 1957, aimed at serving its growing population. Over time, tenure has diversified but Inham Nook has remained comparatively less affluent Wikipedia.
In 1924, the Chilwell War Memorial Hall and Institute opened to celebrate the community’s WWI servicemen. It continues to serve as a local hub for events and social gatherings Wikipedia.
Education and conservation efforts also took root. Chilwell School, built in the 1970s on previously undeveloped farmland, now includes a Grade II listed former Lower School building—recognized for its pioneering CLASP prefabricated design Wikipedia. Adjacent spaces like Chilwell Meadow preserve a rare wet meadow ecosystem, reflecting efforts to integrate nature conservation into urban areas Wikipedia.