What is "shortstown"

Shortstown is a large village located at the north of the Eastcotts parish on the outskirts of Bedford.

Before Shortstown was built, a windmill stood on the site from the 13th century to the 16th century, and fron the 17th to 18th century the area was known as Windmill Hill.

The village was originally built by Short Brothers for its workers, but evolved into a settlement for people working at the RAF Cardington base.

The population of Shortstown is 2,401 (as of 2011) There is a social club, two convenience stores, a food bar, A pharmacy and a school named Shortstown Primary School.

Shortstown started with the establishment of the Airship Works in 1917, when housing for the workforce was built next to the airfield. In 1918 and 1927, sheds (later Grade II* listed buildings) were built for the R100 and R101 airships which then represented the latest passenger flight technology.

South of Shortstown there is a woodland created by the Forest of Marston Vale called Shocott Spring.