RAF Ludham ATC tower..Norfolk

Derelict Places

Help Support Derelict Places:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Mikeymutt

Veteran Member
Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2013
Messages
3,221
Reaction score
12,063
I have made a few visits to this tower over time. It has been hit and miss if open. It was once used as a museum that did not have much success. It's now got a new owner who I think someone is maybe doing it up.
Ludham airfield situated in the norfolk countryside started operational flying in November of 1941. It was used as a forward airfield for fighter command..Spitfires made daily use of the airfield every day over a three year period. The base closed in 1943 for extension to the airfield, three new concrete runways were to be built and taxiways and hard standings. This was in preparation For the U.S. Air Force, but they decided on using the base as operational one. But during 1944 it was manned by a skeleton crew for recovery of American bombers as this was the first airfield in the flight path on the way back to norfolk. Eleven American bombers crashed or had to make emergency landings at ludham. In August of 1944 it was transferred to the navy and became RNAS ludham. The site was used again by the raf in 1945 and spitfires were based here before being transferred to Coltishall. It was finally put on Care &maintenance in August 1945, and finally shutting in April 1946. Part of the site at the back is used for light aircraft now. But the tower still remains on the other side of the site, along with a few other buildings. A shooting wall was destroyed a few years back.

FB_IMG_1616340531346.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340534207.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340536406.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340538689.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340540872.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340543071.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340545372.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340548372.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340550537.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340552853.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340555119.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340557335.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340559471.jpg

The original tower.

FB_IMG_1616340561702.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340564321.jpg
FB_IMG_1616340566785.jpg
 
Those who desecrated this hallowed site are unworthy to tread in the footsteps of the gallant aircrew who once passed through this place.
 
Those who desecrated this hallowed site are unworthy to tread in the footsteps of the gallant aircrew who once passed through this place.
"this hallowed site" - holiness is in the mind of the believer. Perhaps Ludham was deconsecrated by its closure in April 1946.
 
Not a bad tower that, Id love to do one as a house like they have at podington!
I think this one is on the cards to be done up. There are two more here, one done up and a home and B&B and the other a good way through.
 
Long Marston tower, a listed building I understand, stands empty on the edge of the new estate called Middle Quinton which occupies part of the airfield. I'm wondering if it will survive pressure from developers. Not optimistic though.Part of it was used by Freedom Sports a microlight school until fairly recently when all flying ceased. I think when my aircraft flew out it was the last movement from the airfield.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top