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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Airfield
Address
Hackman's Lane,
Purleigh,
Essex,
CM3 6RJ
Details
COVIDUPDATE - Open 15/16th August Events available 01 August, Session tickets from 04 August. Tickets required to attend, limited numbers
The site has significant natural heritage value and is in Natural England’s Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme. Ponds and a meadow have been created and the land supports declining farmland species such as brown hare, corn bunting, yellowhammer and a variety of owls, including barn owls and wintering short-eared owls.
Originally opened in 1916 as home to B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, the aerodrome saw the birth of the Air Defence of Great Britain in response to the first raids by Zeppelins and Gotha bombers on London and the South East. It played a key role in the Battle for Britain (the first London Blitz) the following year. It was at Stow Maries that No 37 Squadron transitioned from the Royal Flying Corps to the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. It continued in its dedicated role until Spring 1919 – when the RAF closed its doors forever.
The site reverted to Flambirds Farm and its age-old farming role. The existing buildings were repurposed or converted to residential and agricultural use and the airfield turned over to pasture.
Following its re-discovery by a private concern, the site was designated a conservation area in 2009 and in 2012 all 24 surviving buildings were listed Grade II*. Because of the site’s condition and importance, it was included on the English Heritage “Buildings at Risk Register” in the same year.
Our latest success story is the 37 Squadron Museum, housed in the B Flight Offices.
Led by the same award winning team as our Engine Workshop Museum, this amazing permanent exhibition tells the most important stories of all – that of the people that made the exciting and terrifying journey from the beginnings of flight at Stow Maries, through the early war and formation of the Royal Air Force through to the closure of Stow Maries in 1919. Featuring objects, displays and interactives, this family museum is a true tribute to the vital work done here – poignantly opening in the centenary year of the first Operational missions at Stow Maries, making it even more significant.
A shop, all run by volunteers, sells novel gifts and goods that spark interest and nostalgia. Our wonderfully popular museum tells the story of the site, and is the first of three planned for Stow Maries. Alongside a bustling flying events program, the site is in talks with regional and national funders with a view to establishing learning and education programs for all manner of topics – including, but nor restricted to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Conservation and Heritage Construction – as well as developing apprenticeships and Museum Outreach programs.
Winner of Maldon District Council Conservation and Design Award 2010. Winner of Queens Award for Volunteering Service 2019
Opening details
Site closed to public - please contact us if you need to attend the site.
From Friday 9th February until 29th March 2018
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday only.
Site open from 10am - 4.30pm
Last entry 3.30pm
Last tour 3pm
Mess Hall Cafe closes at 4pm - Cafe offer subject to availability
From Friday 30th March until 4th October 2018
Open Every Day, Except Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Site open from 10am - 5pm
Last entry 4pm
Last tour 3pm
Mess Hall Cafe closes at 4pm - Cafe offer subject to availability
Prices
On non-event days:
Adult: £8.00
Children 9-16 years: £2.50
Children under 8s: FREE
Concessions (over 65): £6.00
English Heritage Members: 2-for-1 on regular adult tickets on non-event days only
Essex Pass Member: 2-for-1 on regular adult tickets on non-event days only
Event days:
Entrance fees for special event days will be as advised.
Currently serving members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, and one guest, will receive free entry, on non-event days, upon production of an ID card.
Tickets
Visitors should report to the shop/museum entrance at the first building on the right, opposite the Motor Transport (MT) sheds.
On event days please book to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Also at this Venue
Directions
Map reference: TL 819001 Lat: 51.67021 Long: 0.62912
By Road:
A12 Chelmsford bypass. Take A414 turnoff signposted Danbury. Travel through Danbury to Oak Corner roundabout, travel straight over. Take 1st turning right and travel through Cock Clarks Village. The aerodrome entrance is on the right approx one mile outside the village.
Parking: free
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
English Heritage Property
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site light refreshments
Public toilets
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Guided tours for individuals
Guided tours for groups
Smoking not allowed
Winner of Maldon District Council Conservation and Design Award 2010. Winner of Queens Award for Volunteering Service 2019