Shropshire Routes to Roots

3. The Inter-War Period

Apathy rules! O.K.

Following the end of the Great War, the now ruined Hall and its surrounding military establishment began to fall more and more into disrepair, apart from the Orthopaedic Hospital, which went from strength to strength. The land became the property of Oswestry Borough Council, and many and varied ideas were put forward for its redevelopment. These ranged from housing schemes to gypsy encampments, and from a showground to a holiday camp. One of the main uses of the land in the 1930's was for motorcycle racing, and it became quite a well-known circuit, with Isle of Man TT riders competing on occasions.

Although the threat of Hitler's army was becoming more and more evident, with its relentless drive across Europe, there was a belief that "It couldn't happen to us", and as a result, the British government had a great sense of apathy towards the events across the Channel.

After World War One - "The war to end all wars" - military camps had been run down all across the country. It was not until Britain decided to declare war upon Germany, that there was a move to train and equip sufficient soldiers for the forthcoming conflict. It was then remembered that Park Hall had played an important role in the training of First World War recruits.

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