Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
Some relatively obscure places that show up simply have an aviation beacon in the vicinity, and/or a historical aviation connection. Such as RAF Witchford, home to the 115 Squadron Lancasters. That squadron dropped more tons of explosives for RAF Bomber Command than any other unit.
Originally Posted by
Giggleswick
Maybe it was put on the map by somebody who likes medieval architecture. The cathedral is one of England's best, especially known for its Lady Chapel and for its octagonal lantern (a tower-like structure, not a lamp!) over the crossing, which is visible from miles around (not so hard, considering how flat the landscape is). And, yes, I've actually been there. What a nerd I am.
CWS - very recently I have actually been to what remains of RAF Witchford to visit its small and lovingly created museum and includes an original Lancaster engine rescued from a nearby field. I have a personal interest as my uncle was a Lancaster pilot in 115 Sqn and was based there before being shot down over the Netherlands at the age of 23 along with his crew (one aged only 18) in March 1944 - another aircraft on the same mission had Nicholas Alkemade on board, a fascinating story.
The original base like many others in the area became a small modern industrial state but one of the original hangers remains (now a recycling centre) along with three of the original nissen huts used by crews - these nissen huts are to be used to expand the museum. There is a small stone memorial to 115 Sqn in the estate built on where the original runway was - the huge losses of the squadron make very sad reading.
So Giggleswick you are not as nerdy as you thought - and I have also visited the village of Giggleswick too.