Stonehenge, Sheds, and Sun-Gaps, Terry Grace

 
In the first half of 1909, an aeroplane shed appeared on a desolate part of Salisbury Plain known as Larkhill, in which an intrepid future aviator experimented with his prototype aeroplane. From these humble beginnings emerged a flying ground which was to become so important in the history of aviation. It was this aerodrome which helped eventually to persuade the War Office of the importance of the aeroplane in War, and which led to the establishment of an Air Battalion, then to the Royal Flying Corps, and hence the Royal Air Force. This once forgotten site, has in recent years become more well known and appreciated by aviation historians and enthusiats. This book charts the developement of the site, and its buildings, with special reference to the temporary aeroplane sheds erected for the Military Aeroplane Competition in 1912, together with the siting of the more permanent sheds and how this was affected by the near proximity of Stonehenge. The gradual demise of the aerodrome and the removal of most but not all of the aeroplane sheds during its transition to an Army camp is also discussed.