Larkhill: Early Aviation and Military History

Larkhill brings together early aviation, military history, prehistoric archaeology, and distinctive architecture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Larkhill, these themes help put the destination’s historical character into context. The town’s history spans an Early Neolithic monument, the development of the airfield, and its later role as an artillery headquarters. Nearby, the Stonehenge Landscape adds further prehistoric monuments to the picture.

Early Aviation in Larkhill

The five aircraft hangars in Larkhill were built in June 1910 and are the earliest known aircraft hangars in Europe. Larkhill’s airfield was also a pioneer: it was Britain’s first military airfield. The Bristol Aeroplane Company made Larkhill the first location in a series of civilian flying schools, where army officers received their initial flight training. During the 1910 autumn manoeuvres, radio messages were successfully transmitted by aircraft to the Bristol hangar in connection with Larkhill. The construction history, flight training, and communications illustrate different aspects of early aviation.

Camp, Railway, and Artillery History

Larkhill’s light military railway was built in 1914 from Ratfyn in Amesbury to Fargo Camp. By the start of the First World War, Larkhill Camp was one of three tented camps established on Salisbury Plain. From 1915 to 1918, the complex of trenches and tunnels in Larkhill was used to train British and Commonwealth troops before their deployment. In 1920, Larkhill Camp became the headquarters of the School of Artillery. These milestones place the railway, training, and artillery within the town’s military history.

Prehistoric Monuments and First World War Remains

A causewayed enclosure, an Early Neolithic monument made up of segmented ditch systems, was discovered in Larkhill in 2017. It lies on a northeast-facing slope overlooking the River Avon, just below the crest of the low hill where Larkhill Camp is located. The long barrow in Larkhill Camp is also well preserved. Excavations in Larkhill also revealed a large system of First World War practice trenches. Archaeological evidence from widely separated periods therefore comes together within the town.

Buildings and Architectural Features

The Royal Artillery Officers’ Mess is a Grade II listed building in a monumental Neo-Baroque style. The guns brought to Larkhill belong to an internationally significant collection; some stand on the lawns in front of the Officers’ Mess. The Church of St Alban the Martyr has a different architectural profile: it dates from 1937, was designed by William A Ross, and is also Grade II listed. Its design is influenced by Swedish architecture. The church retains its complete original interior, with carefully crafted fittings. The monumental Neo-Baroque style of the Officers’ Mess and the church’s Swedish-influenced design thus represent different architectural accents in Larkhill.

Nearby Stonehenge Landscape

The Stonehenge Landscape is 1.6 km from Larkhill, with access via bridleways and packhorse routes. As you walk through the Stonehenge Landscape, you can discover prehistoric monuments such as the Avenue and King Barrow Ridge, with its Bronze Age burial mounds. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Lyneham, Limpley Stoke, Charlton, Salisbury, Upper Seagry, Collingbourne Kingston, Calne, Pewsey.

For the broader travel overview: Wiltshire.