Living Like a Roman
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- During the war, the now airport was used as a military airfield by the Royal Air Force (RAF), this resulted to the site being primarily utilized for training pilots and housing aircrafts, contributing significantly to the war effort
- In 1967 the Aero Club also established a flying school at Stoughton
- After the war, the airfield transitioned to civilian use, and in the 1950s it began to accommodate private flying and small commercial flights
A World War II Airfield
Leicester Airport was originally a World War II RAF airfield. Construction began in 1942, and it became operational in October 1943. The squadrons based there at various times were mainly engaged in transport, supply dropping and the movement of airborne troops. In May 1944 No. 107 Operational Training Unit was also formed at RAF Leicester East, to train transport and glider-tugging crews. All operational military aircraft left in March 1945, but it remained under RAF control on a ‘care and maintenance’ basis. It was closed in December 1947.
The airport during the world war II
An Uncertain Future
Leicester Corporation hoped to take over the airfield to replace the former civic airport at Braunstone, but negotiations with the Air Ministry proved unsuccessful.
Instead, a Ministry of Supply depot was based there, along with the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars until shortly before they left for Korea in 1950. Leicester Model Aero Club flew there for some time, and the airfield hosted occasional events such as motor transport rallies. In May 1951 a 2,000 yard stretch of the runway became a high speed practice track for local racing drivers Bob Gerard and David Clarke, in preparation for an international meeting at Silverstone.
Magazine about the airport
From Stoughton Aerodrome to Leicester Airport
Leicestershire Aero Club played a leading role in securing its future as Stoughton Aerodrome, a private airfield. It first rented a hangar in which members could store their aircraft, and in 1951 it leased the runways, control tower and other buildings from the Air Ministry. Its ‘Grand Festival Air Display’ in July 1951 was the first of many air shows and ‘pageants’ that it held there; and it became a popular base for aircraft used by local businesses such as Fox’s Glaciers Mints and English Electric. In 1967 the Aero Club also established a flying school at Stoughton.9 The airfield’s designation was changed to ‘Leicester Airport’ in 1974.
Timeline
Visitor information
Gallery
The map of the airport and it's flying school.
Roman Leicester
(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.
Medieval Leicester
(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.
Tudor & Stuart Leicester
(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.
Georgian Leicester
(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.
Victorian Leicester
(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.
Edwardian Leicester
(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.
Early 20th Century Leicester
(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.
Modern Leicester
(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.
- Roman Leicester
- Medieval Leicester
- Tudor & Stuart Leicester
- Georgian Leicester
- Victorian Leicester
- Edwardian Leicester
- Early 20th Century Leicester
- Modern Leicester
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Civic Affairs
Your ultimate guide to the city