Stow Maries Aerodrome

Memorial at Stow Maries Aerodrome

Twenty-four ex farm buildings and a flying field achieved Grade II* listing status in May 2012, just days before the Society’s visit to the site (on 19 May).  Stow Maries Aerodrome is the only intact First World War built site in the country.  Its present owners took on the farm in 2007 and with a band of some fifty volunteers are in the process of restoring the buildings: the ninth is in progress.  The Turner family occupied the land between 1914 and 2007, except during the gap when used for military activity. During the First World War the aerodrome was used by 37 (Home Defence) Squadron, which also operated from Goldhanger and Rochford (now London Southend airport).  Their courage and bravery is remembered in the presence of a new War Memorial on the site commemorating those who died in the cause of defending their country using very basic aeroplanes and navigational aids. The remote site is a haven for wildlife and the owners are keen to develop conservation projects alongside the restoration of the buildings. The new owners gave Society members a magnificent tour and thanked the Society for a donation made last year towards the memorial.

This item first appeared in the ‘Newsletter’, Summer 2012