Hendon Aerodrome, Aerodrome in London, 1908–1968
Hendon Aerodrome is a historic airfield in north London that operated from 1908 to 1987. The site featured hangars, a flying school, an aircraft factory, and later military facilities that supported both civilian and military operations.
Claude Grahame-White purchased the land in 1911 and developed it into a modern airfield with a factory and flight school. After World War One, the Royal Air Force took control in 1925 and used it as a military base until departing in 1987.
The name Aerodrome refers to an early airfield, and Hendon was a place where the public first witnessed powered flight up close. Regular air shows drew thousands of spectators who watched this new form of transportation with fascination.
Visitors can explore the grounds to see structures from aviation's early days, although most buildings are no longer used for flying operations. The Royal Air Force Museum is located on site and displays historic aircraft along with exhibitions about British aviation history.
In September 1911, Hendon was the first place in the United Kingdom where mail was carried by aircraft. This early airmail service between Hendon and Windsor was a milestone in aviation communication history.
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