Alliott Verdon Roe

This blue plaque commemorates Alliott Verdon Roe, an English aviation pioneer and aircraft manufacturer, alongside his brother Humphrey Verdon Roe. Alliott was instrumental in the early development of aviation, becoming known for his experimental flights and for founding the prominent Avro aircraft company. The plaque marks the site where the A. V. Roe & Co, more commonly known as Avro, began its operations, reflecting the significant origins of one of Britain's most notable aircraft manufacturers. It serves as a reminder of the foundational contributions made by the Verdon Roe brothers to aerospace engineering and flight.

The memorial dates from an era of intense innovation and rapid development in aviation, following the initial successes of powered flight. The early 20th century saw numerous inventors and engineers across the globe striving to advance aircraft design and capability, moving from experimental models to practical flying machines. The formation of companies like Avro in 1910 represented a crucial step in formalising aircraft production and moving it from individual endeavour to industrial enterprise. This period laid the groundwork for the aviation industry that would become vital in subsequent decades.

This blue plaque is located at Brownsfield Mill, situated on Binns Place in the Ancoats area of Manchester. Visitors to this historic part of the city can find the plaque affixed to the building, marking the original workshop of the Avro company. Ancoats is known for its industrial heritage, and the plaque contributes to understanding the area's rich history, particularly its role in innovation. The site is publicly accessible, allowing for respectful viewing of the commemorative plaque as part of a visit to the surrounding historic district.