South Fambridge, in Essex, was probably home to Britain’s first ever airfield. It was founded in February 1909 by Noel Pemberton-Billing, an aviation pioneer of many talents. Although undoubtedly a great visionary, his foresight didn’t extend to the site. Formerly home to a hydraulic crane factory, the planes were ’bogged down,’ quite literally, in the marshy landing area and the site closed in November of the same year.

Click on the movie below to watch BBC news report, Courtesy of BBC Look East

Today the airfield is now farmland and a housing estate with one of the streets aptly named ’Pemberton Field.’ Some of the houses Pemberton-Billing built for aviation experimenters to inhabit are still standing. The impressive and colourful Mr Pemberton-Billing went on to establish the Supermarine company that would later create and build the Spitfire and was also involved in the creation of the Air Ministry and RAF.

Around 150 people turned out for the unveiling of the memorial at Fambridge Airfield. Carolyn Grace, the world’s only female Spitfire pilot, gave an amazing display which was very well received. It was lovely to meet such a range of people, from real enthusiasts to those who didn’t know anything about the history and came over to see what all the fuss was about. The support of all is greatly appreciated.

Airfield Link

Fambridge (Essex)

Back to memorials