HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst writes in support of Essex charity Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.

Amongst the many wonderful things that I am invited to be involved with is our rich cultural heritage in Essex, of which there is so much.

One of the themes of our heritage is military history, and there are several places where this can be discovered: the Essex Regiment Museum at Chelmsford Museum, Colchester Castle, the Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon, and Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills to mention only a few.

But there is another quite amazing example of Essex’s military history to be seen at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.

A head and shoulders shot of Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst. She wears a dark jacket with the Lord Lieutenant medal on her left breast. She wears a necklaces of two short strings of pearls, pearl stud earrings and a dark pillbox hat. Behind her is a Union Jack unfurled and stained glass windows.

History of Stow Maries

In the rural landscape of the Maldon district, just outside Chelmsford, amidst a stunning wildlife habitat, Stow Maries is the last surviving, still functioning First World War aerodrome in the world.

It was built by the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and had a very successful role in protecting Essex and London against the German Zeppelins and bombers which caused such devastation in that terrible conflict.

The Royal Flying Corps merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the Royal Air Force in 1918, following which RAF Stow Maries continued its work, helping to establish the famous RAF Biggin Hill station in Kent before closing its doors in 1919.

The site was then farmed by the local Turner family until 2008. They are still resident in nearby Flambirds Farm, the inspiration for the famous ‘Flambards’ books written by the recently deceased Kathy Peyton.

In 2014, a charity purchased the site, with its 23 surviving buildings.  It was then clear that this was the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world, and the race was on to save them from collapse.

To find out more about Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome visit the website here >

Stow Maries Today

A decade later, the achievements of the charity are truly impressive.

The buildings now include galleries which host award-winning exhibitions covering the work done by men and women of the early air forces, some with interactive exhibits. It is not only a successful museum, accredited by the Arts Council, it has become a destination for history fans and those who love to explore Essex.

Opening Friday to Sunday, aircraft buzz in and out of the grass airfield and the programme of events includes a great variety of exciting things from air shows to Living History camps – all attracting international participants.

I cannot recommend highly enough the excellent Airmen’s Mess Café, located in the original dining hall of 37 Squadron. It is a popular haunt for locals.

If you want a wonderful day out, in unspoilt countryside, experiencing fascinating history, and a great tearoom, Stow Maries Aerodrome is the place to go!

In a large tent with white canvas walls and a wooden floor, four men work together to attach an upper wing to the central part of a biplane. On the bottom of the lower wing a circular logo is visible, with a blue outer ring, white middle ring and red central circle. All the men are white and wear casual clothing. Two stand on stepladders.

Putting the top wing on the RAF Sopwith Pup fighter aircraft.

To find out more about Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome visit the website here >

Volunteering at Stow Maries

One of the things that makes Stow Maries particularly special is its volunteer programme.

This was recognised several years ago when the Aerodrome was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Volunteers, the equivalent of an MBE for a group.

The spirit and dedication of the huge team of volunteers is remarkable; in an average year, their team will give over 32,000 hours to the charity, delivering everything from research and care of the museum objects to renovating the buildings and managing the growing collection of period aircraft.

The entire site is on the Historic England ‘Heritage at Risk’ register and the aircraft are all extremely delicate. You can imagine the training, knowledge and expertise involved when one false move could be a disaster!

The team are drawn from all across Essex and include men and women from all walks of life, ranging from 18 years to over 80. I love talking to them and hearing their own stories and those relating to this nationally important aerodrome.

From left Mathew, Rebeoca and Susanne
Bradley, volunteer Pauline Fountain and Dad Andrew Bradley looking at aircraft artwork.
Image: Stow Maries Aerodrome

To find out more about Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome visit the website here >

The Role of Patron

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is one of the many charities for which HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex is a Patron.

A charitable patron is an unpaid role as an advocate and ambassador, who can offer invaluable support.

To find out more about the Patronages and Trusteeships held by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, visit the Patronages and Trusteeships page here >

A three quarter length shot of Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst. She wears a dark jacket with the Lord Lieutenant medal on her left breast, whites skirt and white gloves. She wears a necklace of two short strings of pearls, pearl stud earrings and a dark pillbox hat. Behind her is a Union Jack unfurled and stained glass windows.