From 1940 to 1946, High Wycombe was the headquarters of the RAF Bomber Command. From 1942 through July 1946 High Wycombe was also home to the U.S. Army Airforce's 8th Air Force Bomber command. While the 8th Air Force is no longer at High Wycombe, since 1968, all RAF commands are based there.
Wycombe Air Park is the current name for Booker Airfield. Wycombe Air Park is on the western edge of town and is one of the busiest general aviation airfields in Britain. The airpark is home to a gliding club and two flying schools. Vintage replica aircraft that were used in the motion pictures, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and the Blue Max were built in High Wycombe and flown from the Wycombe Air Park.
During the 19th century High Wycombe was a center of manufacturing. The most noted product of this period was the manufacture of chairs. In 1875 it was estimated that 4,700 chairs were fabricated daily in the furniture factories that were located in the town. As a manufacturing center, social and economic problems arose in the 1960's when manufacturing operations declined.
High Wycombe is currently undergoing an urban renewal process in the town center. The existing shopping center district has undergone extensive renovation and the recently completed Eden shopping center has opened. Buckinghamshire New University has undergone an extensive remodeling and renovation process and has been awarded full university status.
One quirk in High Wycombe is that the mayor is weighed. The mayor undergoes a weigh in on scales that date to the 19th century. When the mayor leaves office he is weighed again to determine if he has gained weight at the expense of the taxpayer.
High Wycombe is no different than any other industrial centered town that has fallen upon hard times when industry declines. However through its extensive urban renewal policies and the creation of new opportunities looks forward to a bright future.
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