Introduction
This is a place I visited back in late 2021/early 2022 after seeing Mikeymutt's report but this was before I started using a proper camera again, so I decided to take a trip back here last summer to re-do it with the camera and cover some more bits. I've been meaning to post this for ages so thought I'd finally get it out.
Information & History
Bylaugh Hall was constructed in 1852 and was designed by architects Charles Barry and Robert Banks, it was used as a discrete RAF Base during World War 2 and apparently also had a military presence during WW1. The building was once home to the founder of BP and has been visited by the likes of Churchill and Eisenhower. Families that owned the hall and estate included the Evans-Lombe Family, the Beevor Family, and the Marsh Family.
The majority of the main hall was dismantled after the war and was listed as a ‘ruinous pile’ by English Heritage in 1983, it was restored at the turn of the 21st Century and is now used as a large venue for events and meetings, and can also be hired for filming and photography purposes. During the war, the hall housed aircrew from RAF Swanton Morley. Later, the site was the main Headquarters for the RAF 2 Group Command and then used for the No. 100 Bomber Support Group.
Surrounding the hall, there are several derelict Nissen huts and various other buildings dotted around including a social club, various toilet blocks, electrical/administrative buildings, and blast shelters amongst other bits. There were once over 100 structures here but many have been demolished. The condition of the huts vary, some are very dilapidated and others are in pretty decent condition.
The Explore
As you’d expect with a place like this, it was very relaxed and I spent a good couple of hours here. There are some houses dotted around close to some of the huts but didn’t come across anyone. I did miss a few little bits such as the bar area of the social club but managed to cover the majority of it. I also should’ve got a few pics of the hall really but there are plenty online to see. North of the site, there is also a water tower and pump house, these were all very similar at old RAF sites and I’d imagine the pumps/machinery have now been removed but I still plan to go back and take a look as you never know!
Onto the photos starting with various Nissen huts:
Nice fireplace:
This was a part of the social club for the RAF squadrons:
Another fireplace in really good condition, this was my favourite of the ones I saw:
A stark contrast with the two huts below, the first one is in very poor condition but the second and third ones are pretty good, one could live in there!
Here are some shots of various other bits I came across:
Love the old doors to this building:
Toilet block, each of these had three cubicles inside I believe:
Nice old sign which made for a nice pic:
Loved the lighting in here:
A small, dark electrical building which has been well stripped:
Thanks for looking.
This is a place I visited back in late 2021/early 2022 after seeing Mikeymutt's report but this was before I started using a proper camera again, so I decided to take a trip back here last summer to re-do it with the camera and cover some more bits. I've been meaning to post this for ages so thought I'd finally get it out.
Information & History
Bylaugh Hall was constructed in 1852 and was designed by architects Charles Barry and Robert Banks, it was used as a discrete RAF Base during World War 2 and apparently also had a military presence during WW1. The building was once home to the founder of BP and has been visited by the likes of Churchill and Eisenhower. Families that owned the hall and estate included the Evans-Lombe Family, the Beevor Family, and the Marsh Family.
The majority of the main hall was dismantled after the war and was listed as a ‘ruinous pile’ by English Heritage in 1983, it was restored at the turn of the 21st Century and is now used as a large venue for events and meetings, and can also be hired for filming and photography purposes. During the war, the hall housed aircrew from RAF Swanton Morley. Later, the site was the main Headquarters for the RAF 2 Group Command and then used for the No. 100 Bomber Support Group.
Surrounding the hall, there are several derelict Nissen huts and various other buildings dotted around including a social club, various toilet blocks, electrical/administrative buildings, and blast shelters amongst other bits. There were once over 100 structures here but many have been demolished. The condition of the huts vary, some are very dilapidated and others are in pretty decent condition.
The Explore
As you’d expect with a place like this, it was very relaxed and I spent a good couple of hours here. There are some houses dotted around close to some of the huts but didn’t come across anyone. I did miss a few little bits such as the bar area of the social club but managed to cover the majority of it. I also should’ve got a few pics of the hall really but there are plenty online to see. North of the site, there is also a water tower and pump house, these were all very similar at old RAF sites and I’d imagine the pumps/machinery have now been removed but I still plan to go back and take a look as you never know!
Onto the photos starting with various Nissen huts:
Nice fireplace:
This was a part of the social club for the RAF squadrons:
Another fireplace in really good condition, this was my favourite of the ones I saw:
A stark contrast with the two huts below, the first one is in very poor condition but the second and third ones are pretty good, one could live in there!
Here are some shots of various other bits I came across:
Love the old doors to this building:
Toilet block, each of these had three cubicles inside I believe:
Nice old sign which made for a nice pic:
Loved the lighting in here:
A small, dark electrical building which has been well stripped:
Thanks for looking.
