Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a unique place. Its story covers 100 years of life so far, combining feverish excitement interspersed with periods of calm and tranquillity. The aerodrome lies to the east of Chelmsford and west of Maldon in Essex, set within an area of gently rolling farmland. It comprises the largest known surviving group of RFC buildings on an WW1 aerodrome which was not adapted for further military use in its history.
It is an active aerodrome and Heritage site, an award-winning centre for community volunteering, a dedicated response to the challenges of isolation and mental health and houses a growing wealth of skills, research and knowledge. When considered together with its growing collections, ecological triumphs and its ongoing activities, a truly unique picture is formed. One of vibrancy and importance —nationally and internationally.
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 Flambird’s Farm and its age-old farming role. The existing buildings were repurposed or converted to residential & agricultural use and the airfield turned over to pasture.
Being left to its own devices, undisturbed, for so many years allowed the original occupant of the site to reclaim it— Nature. The Aerodrome and its 93 Acre Conservation zone has significant natural heritage value. A member of Natural England’s Entry and Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme as well as a partner with Essex Wildlife Trust, our Ponds and meadows supports declining farmland species such as brown hare, corn bunting, yellowhammer and a variety of owls, including Barn owls and overwintering Short-eared owls. Endangered and rare species such as Water Voles and Badgers prosper.
After existing silently for most of the last century, the Aerodrome was designated a conservation area in 2009. In 2012 all 24 surviving buildings were listed Grade II*. Due to the site’s condition and importance, it was also included on the English Heritage “Buildings at Risk Register”. In late 2012 the aerodrome was put up for sale and a campaign led by Essex County and Maldon District Councils led to the acquisition of the site for the nation in 2013, following a generous grant from the Heritage Memorial Fund. It was placed in the care of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Ltd, (SMGWA) a charitable trust.
Since the Trust’s inauguration, great amounts of work have been undertaken. Supported by an army of volunteers, the site has seen leaps forward. Hangars are now in place; aircraft are based here and the Mess once again turns out food for hungry pilots, crew and visitors. A shop, run solely by volunteers, sells novel gifts and goods that spark interest and nostalgia. Our award-winning exhibitions tell the story of the site and those connected to it. Adult education partnerships are already in place, with STE(A)M programs already piloted and under further development.
We are developing our network comprehensively, with our Patrons now including the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jenny Tolhurst, Lord Petre, popular Historian Dan Snow and academic and historian Dr Saul David.
Dan has commented that Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has a future as ‘the centre for early aviation history in Europe’ – a view we strongly agree with. Our volunteers want this too – hence them committing 31,130 hours of time in 2018/19 and winning the Queens Award for Volunteering Service!
Our membership scheme, the Propeller Club, is growing quickly with overseas as well as local members. This vital support enables us to secure our future, while providing a range of benefits and educational opportunities not available to general visitors. This interface also allows us engage on first name terms with our supporters and directly evidence to them what their support translates into, and for us to express our appreciation for that.
We are at a crucial stage in our journey and look very much towards building partnerships with organizations or individuals that want to join us as we move to achieving even greater success.
We face the future with great positivity and aspirations for success . Our aims for the Post-COVID landscape are based on hard work and the lessons we have learned from our experiences. If you would like to become part of this amazing story— we’d love to hear from you!
