Residents and history enthusiasts delved into the rich military legacy of Alconbury Weald during a recent heritage walking tour.  

For over 70 years, RAF Alconbury played a central role in military operations over Europe falling under the control of both the British and American Air Forces.  

Jeff Hawley, the Vice Chairman of the Airfield Research Group, led the tour around the new residential area while also providing a captivating journey through the past.  

He pointed out significant landmarks, including the one of the site’s historic control towers, which served as the nerve centre for airfield activities during the Second World War and Cold War era.  

The Hunts Post: For over 70 years, RAF Alconbury played a central role in military operations over Europe.For over 70 years, RAF Alconbury played a central role in military operations over Europe. (Image: Tim George)Other highlights were the iconic aircraft hangars of the 2nd Strategic Air Depot, which once housed formidable Second World War aircraft.  

It also served as vital maintenance and repair facilities for the 8th Air Force, 1st Air Division and Jeff shared how skilled technicians kept the aircraft in peak conditions for combat and reconnaissance missions.  

The tour’s final stop was Hush House, a noise suppressing facility for testing and maintaining aircraft engines.  

Natalie Leigh-Brown, Community Development Lead for Alconbury Weald, said: “Jeff has a vast knowledge of the development’s military history...  

“... we’ve had such great feedback from his Cold War avionics building tours during Heritage Open Days, that we wanted to provide other opportunities for him to share his enthusiasm and insights with the local community.”    

The Hunts Post: The tour group were led through parts of the new Alconbury Weald development - but also had a captivating insight into its past.The tour group were led through parts of the new Alconbury Weald development - but also had a captivating insight into its past. (Image: Tim George)The tour was held on February 10, 2024.  

The team behind Alconbury Weald say efforts are being made to weave the extraordinary history of the site into the fabric of the development. 

Its heritage is reflected through conservation, the re-use and interpretation of the site’s listed buildings, and the preservation and archiving of artefacts.  

Phase 3 of the development will focus on the main runway area and an area from the site’s Cold War intelligence role, including the Avionics Building which is the only one of its kind in Europe.  

Visit the Alconbury Weald website for more history.