Shoreham Airport - a timeline of development

The history portal for Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, England

This pdf map of the entire site shows the expansion and change of use of the fields over time from 1910 to 1950. Compiled from various sources and original research of Tim Webb “History of Shoreham Airport” Pub.1996

1910 – 1925

Piffard’s early experiments with his Humming Bird aircraft outside his hangar in the SE corner of the field. c1910

Sheds 3 to 8 backing on to the railway embankment SE corner of current aerodrome site c1911

Crowds assemble for the Daily Mail Circuit of Britain Air-race 1911. Note the fencing erected on towpath

1925 – 1926 Easter’s Field

Between 1925 and 1926 the field to the West of Salts Farm was home to the Sussex County Aero Club with construction of aircraft in the barn to the rear and flights in Easter’s Field.

Photo c1913 Overlays compiled from various sources and original research of Tim Webb “History of Shoreham Airport” Pub.1996

1926 – 1935 use of the Western field

1935 during drainage works ahead of construction of the new airport terminal building. Looking NW in the background you can see the buildings and hangars of the Western field that was the centre for flying for the previous 10 years. Image from Rob Kent.

Hangars on the Western Field, looking NW from brick tower. F.G. Miles’ Martlet with Genet radial engine and Metal Martlet G-ABJW. Photo 1929-1931, Source unknown

1935 – 1939 Municipal airport

1940 – 1945 RAF use

1946 Honeyman’s Hole in NW corner of Aerodrome showing locations of RAF infrastructure.

1945 – present Municipal airport

Present day. Overlays compiled from various sources and original research of Tim Webb “History of Shoreham Airport” Pub.1996

List of air accidents at Shoreham