Morgan Coachworks

Leighton Buzzard has long been famous for its sand, which is of a special quality much sought after in the chemical, foundry and water industries, as well as the building trade. This led to the growth of associated industries, including roof and floor tile manufacture and road haulage. Industry also flourished beside the canal at Linslade, where Morgan Coachworks built early cars and then switched to Vickers Vimy bombers during the First World War. The site, which is now occupied by the Tesco superstore, also housed one of the country’s largest manufacturers of foundry equipment.