Monument record MYO5247 - Runway and taxiway, former RAF Clifton

Summary

The site lies within part of York’s municipal aerodrome, which was opened in 1936. In 1939 the airfield was requisitioned by the RAF, becoming RAF York. In 1941 48 MU opened, and with it extensive redevelopment of the site. Improvements included the laying out of three concrete runways and associated perimeter track, and within the grounds of Whithell Grange the the eastern ends of the former runway and taxi way labelled as No 1 on the 1945 airfield plan and an associated dispersal pen (MYO3598) survive.

Location

Grid reference Centred SE 5969 5550 (175m by 389m)
Map sheet SE55NE
Unitary Authority City of York, North Yorkshire

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

The three runways formed a triangle shape, the longest, aligned north-east/southwest, being 4,800ft long and the other two being 600ft shorter.

Within the limits of the site the runway and associated tracks that formed both the civil and military airfield are clearly marked on the 1962 Ordnance Survey map. The most significant difference in the layout of the pre- and post-war airfields within the confines of the site comprises the fighter dispersal pen close to the southern boundary. This can be seen to be one of several similar features located around the periphery of the runways. Associated with the perimeter track is a well preserved fighter dispersal pen (MYO3588)

SYO1852 Land at Whitehall Grange, York On Site Archaeology

The runway, perimer track and associated fighter dispersal pen are clearly visible on modern Ordnance Survey maps and aerial photographs (see Google Earth for example).

2023- The taxiways have generally been lost through repaving for parking, development and recent renovations of the site for commercial use.


On Site Archaeology, 2015, Whitehall Grange, Wigginton Road (Unpublished document). SYO1852.

York Archaeological Trust, 2020, Whitehall Grange, Wigginton Road EVA (Unpublished document). SYO2531.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • --- Unpublished document: On Site Archaeology. 2015. Whitehall Grange, Wigginton Road.
  • --- Unpublished document: York Archaeological Trust. 2020. Whitehall Grange, Wigginton Road EVA.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (4)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

May 12 2023 10:11AM

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