Scheduled MonumentsEnglandGroup of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley

Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley

England
List entry 1021242
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

The Group of four World War II fighter pens at RAF Kenley is a scheduled ancient monument comprising reinforced concrete defensive structures constructed during the Second World War to protect aircraft from enemy attack. Located at the former airfield near Caterham in Surrey, these pens date from the early 1940s and represent the standard defensive architecture employed by the Royal Air Force during the height of aerial warfare over southern England. The pens are substantial concrete constructions designed to shelter fighter aircraft whilst minimizing vulnerability to bombing and strafing, reflecting the strategic importance of Kenley as a fighter station during the Battle of Britain and subsequent operations. Their survival as scheduled monuments preserves significant evidence of the airfield's operational infrastructure and the defensive measures adopted by the RAF during this critical period of British military history.

Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1021242. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley?

The Group of four World War II fighter pens at RAF Kenley is a scheduled ancient monument comprising reinforced concrete defensive structures constructed during the Second World War to protect aircraft from enemy attack. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1021242.

Who is responsible for protecting Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley?

Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1021242.

What other scheduled monuments are near Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Alderstead Fort: a London mobilisation centre at Merstham (4.8 km), Large multivallate hillfort at War Coppice Camp (5.1 km), Fosterdown or Pilgrim Fort: a London mobilisation centre (5.2 km).

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