Biggin Hill Memorial Museum secures National Lottery funding

03/07/2017

Visualisation of the new museum

Thanks to National Lottery players Biggin Hill, one of Britain’s oldest aerodromes, has secured funding for a new museum to ensure the heritage of the site is protected for future generations.

This autumn, thanks to National Lottery players, Bromley Council and Biggin Hill Memorial Museum Trust will begin work at Biggin Hill to create a new museum, at the site of St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, ensuring the Chapel and Biggin Hill’s heritage is protected for future generations.

Built in 1951 using funds raised from the nation, the Grade II listed Chapel of Remembrance is a lasting memorial to the aircrew who gave their lives in aerial combat during the Second World War. Internationally significant, visitors travel from across the world to visit and remember. Directly neighbouring the historic airfield, the site continues to remain an important focal point for community gathering and remembrance.

[quote=Geoffrey Wellum, Battle of Britain veteran]“...it’s not about medals, it’s not about thank yous but it’s nice to be remembered...that's all we ask, to be remembered."[/quote]

In an interview recorded for the museum, Biggin Hill, Battle of Britain veteran, Geoffrey Wellum, said: “it’s not about medals, it’s not about thank yous but it’s nice to be remembered, because being remembered covers everybody who served and flew under the Battle of Britain and that’s all we ask, to be remembered”.

Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: “Biggin Hill has a history that is truly iconic, locally, nationally and internationally. This new museum will help future generations explore the impact of Churchill’s ‘strongest link’, and form a significant part of the RAF 100 celebrations next year, as well as providing a suitable memorial to the actions of ‘The Few’. We are delighted that National Lottery players are able to support this excellent project”.

The museum is envisaged to open in November 2018, 100 years after the end of the First World War, and will inspire future generations to remember ‘The Few’ and honour the Many. The Museum will also join in celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the RAF next year, working with partners across a new London-based network to recognise Biggin Hill’s contribution to RAF history.