The Welford Priory
Welford is probably the only UK airfield to have at its centre an 11 century Austinian priory dedicated to St Margaret . The original Priory was built in 1150 and remained in use until 1525 when with the dissolution of the monasteries it fell into disrepair. Much of the stone was removed and much was used to build Christchurch College in Oxford.
At the turn of the last century much of the original Medieval Stained glass windows were still in place but these were believed to have finally been sold to Mr Palmer of Huntly and Palmer biscuit manufacturers and know knowledge now of the whereabouts is known.
The east side of the house remains from the original building and the west end was a farmhouse built on the original site in the 18th century.
In 1918 the property was purchased by the Hardy family and was the family home . The farmhouse was modernised and beautiful garden was created and the property was very remote. In 1940 the representative of the Ministry arrived and informed the family that the land was being requisitioned to form a new airfield for the war. Originally planned as an OTU for the RAF it soon became RAF Welford . All the families possessions were put into store and all the farm hands laid off while all farm equipment was sold . In return the Hardy family received only a few thousand pound for the land and soon found themselves homeless.
It was feared that the building would be demolished but instead it was incorporated into the overall plan and has traditionally been used by the commanding officers accommodation. During WW2 the scene may very easily have looked like the picture below which was recreated during the RMARG 10th Anniversary meeting.
Today the building is a listed building maintained by the MOD land services and is in very good condition though now no longer used by the base commander.
Members Of RMARG Recreated This WW2 Scene Outside The Priory In 2001
We would be interested to know of any more of the priory's history or add any original wartime pictures or stories of the priory to add to this page .