Bentley Priory Museum and the RAF
Collection of RAF & Battle of Britain memorabilia on display in an elegant former home/military HQ. In 1926, the Priory estate was split up and one lot comprising of the Priory itself and around 40 acres was sold to the Air Ministry, for a sum believed to be £25,000. In May 1926, Inland Area (Training Command), part of the Air Defence of Great Britain (ADGB) moved into the Priory. As the RAF grew in size, the ADGB was dissolved and Bomber, Coastal, Fighter and Training Commands were created.
In July 1936, RAF Fighter Command was created and moved into Bentley Priory. Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding became its first Commander-in-Chief. Fighter Command amalgamated with Bomber Command in 1968, to form Strike Command and Bentley Priory became an administrative and training unit. The RAF were Bentley Priory’s longest-serving residents, occupying the Mansion House and grounds until they departed in 2008.
Closed Now!10:00 - 16:00
- Friday10:00 - 16:00
- Saturday10:00 - 16:00
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