Celebrating more than a century of heritage, Aerospace Bristol charts the city’s involvement in aviation from the early days of flight through to the modern age of space travel. Darren Harbar visited the unique museum now based at the former Filton airfield

In 1909, Bristolian businessman Sir George White witnessed the Wright brothers demonstrate their pioneering flying machine in France. Inspired by the concept of powered flight, the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company founder decided that he too should develop aircraft alongside his tram operations. By February the following year, the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company (BCAC) had been established – it was the first days and weeks of a remarkable century of aviation at Filton. That incredible heritage is today celebrated at Aerospace Bristol.