RAF Bentley Priory

RAF Bentley Priory
Stanmore, Harrow, Greater London in England
The Officers' Mess (now a museum) from the Italian Gardens
The Officers' Mess (now a museum) from the Italian Gardens
RAF Bentley Priory is located in London Borough of Harrow
RAF Bentley Priory
RAF Bentley Priory
Location in London Borough of Harrow
Coordinates51°37′35.94″N 0°20′3.24″W / 51.6266500°N 0.3342333°W / 51.6266500; -0.3342333
TypeNon-flying administrative station
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
OperatorRoyal Air Force
ConditionClosed
WebsiteBentley Priory Museum
Site history
Built1766 (1766)
In use1936–2008 (2008)
FateConverted to residential use. Former Officers' Mess now the Bentley Priory Museum.
Battles/wars
Garrison information
Past
commanders
GarrisonRAF Fighter Command
HQ Royal Observer Corps
No. 11/18 Group Strike Command RAF
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated25 May 1983[1]
Reference no.1358638
TypeGrade II
Designated9 December 1999[2]
Reference no.1001440

RAF Bentley Priory was a non-flying Royal Air Force station near Stanmore in the London Borough of Harrow. It was the headquarters of Fighter Command in the Battle of Britain and throughout the Second World War. The Royal Air Force station closed its operations on 30 May 2008, with all units relocating to new accommodation at RAF Northolt, a few miles away.

The station incorporated Bentley Priory, which was originally built in 1766. Since its closure, the Officers' Mess has converted into the Bentley Priory Museum with exhibits focusing on the house's role in the Battle of Britain. The grounds have been redeveloped as a private residential housing estate.

  1. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1358638)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  2. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1001440)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 1 September 2015.