Historic Bentley Priory open weekend begins (From Harrow Times)

Historic Bentley Priory open weekend begins

12:19pm Thursday 11th September 2008 in News By Jack Royston

RAF Bentley Priory opened to the pubilc for the first time in 80 years today.

RAF Bentley Priory opened to the public for the first time in 80 years this morning.

The first guided tour of the Stanmore air base started at 10am, with residents strolling through the historic rooms and corridors of the former headquarters of Fighter Command and spiritual home of “The Few”.

Neville Hughs, of Belmont Road, South Harrow, said: “I've enjoyed it very much. Being born in the early thirties one is very much aware of history.

“To come to Bentley Priory, which is the focus and centre of so much, is a brilliant opportunity.”

The RAF withdrew from the base in May this year after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) sold the land to developer VSM Estates.

Some of the less historically significant parts of the grade II* listed mansion house will now be turned into luxury flats while the rooms on the ground floor will be turned into a commemorative museum.

Mr Hughs said: “We really do look forward to the museum because that is going to be so important for the future of the building.”

There will be more tours this afternoon and tomorrow, but all places have already been booked up.

The site will be freely open to the public again on Saturday and Sunday, and there is no need to book a place on these days.