1. The History
RAF Manby opened in 1938 and became the first Lincolnshire airfield with paved runways. During World War II it played host to a variety of squadrons, disciplined in both ground and air operations. Manby's first fully-fledged defensive squadron, No.2782 Defence Squadron, manned a variety of defences including machine guns, 20mm cannon and BOFOR guns. Manby was home to No.1 Air Armaments Training School, who remained at Manby for the duration of the war, utilising a huge variation of aircraft. In July 1944, the school was upgraded to 'Empire' status and with the increased workload that bought, Manby was subject to a major expansion.
After the war Manby become home to the RAF Flying College which, like the No.1 AAS that preceded it, operated a variation of aircraft. In 1954 a Manby-based English Electric Canberra (WH699) become the first aircraft to fly over the North Pole. After being renamed the RAF College of Air Warfare, Manby received a contingent of new Jet Provosts, replacing the propeller driven Percival Provosts. Around this time, Manby was also home the 'Macaws' display team who operated the schools Jet Provost aircraft. In 1972, with the closure of RAF Strubby down the road, Manby received the Hawker Siddeley Dominies that had been flying from there but despite this, rumours that Manby was next to be closed started to circulate.
Two years later Manby was indeed closed, at the end of March 1974. Many of the housing sections of the base came under control of RAF Binbrook while the main bulk of the technical site was sold to Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) who still own premises today. Today the majority of buildings form part of the Manby Business Park and the hangers are in use for storage, however the former Officers Mess sits abandoned and forlorn.
2. The Explore
As soon as I saw the main building’s façade, knew I wanted to come and see this place. Relatively easy access and a relaxed mooch. It’s pretty trashed inside and the local yobs have done their thing but the frontage is alone justification for a visit. The roof is still in relatively good nick. The place is saveable if someone with a bit of money to put into the place could be found. Sadly this seems really unlikely and the place looks set to continue in the long decline its been suffering.
3. The Pictures
Down the road we go:
img7736 by HughieDW, on Flickr
And here it is!
img7737 by HughieDW, on Flickr
What a façade:
img7684 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7682 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7685 by HughieDW, on Flickr
Love the stone-balladed balconies:
img7686 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7687 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7689 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7693 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7694 by HughieDW, on Flickr
Time to pop inside. The wood panelled entrance hall:
img7715 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7716 by HughieDW, on Flickr
And on to the main hall:
img7696 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7713 by HughieDW, on Flickr
The kitchen area:
img7695 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7697 by HughieDW, on Flickr
The former bar:
img7711 by HughieDW, on Flickr
The stage:
img7710 by HughieDW, on Flickr
Not sure the pool table should be this way up:
img7712 by HughieDW, on Flickr
That wall-paper:
img7701 by HughieDW, on Flickr
This room’s seen better days:
img7706 by HughieDW, on Flickr
Up-the-stairs Mr:
img7726 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7717 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7727 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7720 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7721 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7722 by HughieDW, on Flickr
And on to the side buildings briefly:
img7734 by HughieDW, on Flickr
img7735 by HughieDW, on Flickr
RAF Manby opened in 1938 and became the first Lincolnshire airfield with paved runways. During World War II it played host to a variety of squadrons, disciplined in both ground and air operations. Manby's first fully-fledged defensive squadron, No.2782 Defence Squadron, manned a variety of defences including machine guns, 20mm cannon and BOFOR guns. Manby was home to No.1 Air Armaments Training School, who remained at Manby for the duration of the war, utilising a huge variation of aircraft. In July 1944, the school was upgraded to 'Empire' status and with the increased workload that bought, Manby was subject to a major expansion.
After the war Manby become home to the RAF Flying College which, like the No.1 AAS that preceded it, operated a variation of aircraft. In 1954 a Manby-based English Electric Canberra (WH699) become the first aircraft to fly over the North Pole. After being renamed the RAF College of Air Warfare, Manby received a contingent of new Jet Provosts, replacing the propeller driven Percival Provosts. Around this time, Manby was also home the 'Macaws' display team who operated the schools Jet Provost aircraft. In 1972, with the closure of RAF Strubby down the road, Manby received the Hawker Siddeley Dominies that had been flying from there but despite this, rumours that Manby was next to be closed started to circulate.
Two years later Manby was indeed closed, at the end of March 1974. Many of the housing sections of the base came under control of RAF Binbrook while the main bulk of the technical site was sold to Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) who still own premises today. Today the majority of buildings form part of the Manby Business Park and the hangers are in use for storage, however the former Officers Mess sits abandoned and forlorn.
2. The Explore
As soon as I saw the main building’s façade, knew I wanted to come and see this place. Relatively easy access and a relaxed mooch. It’s pretty trashed inside and the local yobs have done their thing but the frontage is alone justification for a visit. The roof is still in relatively good nick. The place is saveable if someone with a bit of money to put into the place could be found. Sadly this seems really unlikely and the place looks set to continue in the long decline its been suffering.
3. The Pictures
Down the road we go:
And here it is!
What a façade:
Love the stone-balladed balconies:
Time to pop inside. The wood panelled entrance hall:
And on to the main hall:
The kitchen area:
The former bar:
The stage:
Not sure the pool table should be this way up:
That wall-paper:
This room’s seen better days:
Up-the-stairs Mr:
And on to the side buildings briefly:
