M25 excavation uncovers secret history of Essex aerodrome
Archaeologists digging near the site of an old aerodrome in Essex have found evidence linking it to the aviation industry and some of the country’s first package holidays. Maylands Aerodrome, near Brentwood, is on the site of National Highways’ scheme to improve the link between the M25 at junction 28 and eastbound A12.
The aerodrome was once the home of Hillman’s Airways, a pioneer of package holidays. Archaeologists, working on site since the summer of last year, have found glass bottles and containers from the period, and have also uncovered what is believed to be a 7,000-year-old axe head or adze from the Mesolithic period.
Zach Pepper, National Highways project lead said: “Our improvements will provide safer journeys for thousands of drivers, cyclists and walkers who use this route every day as part of our wider investment to enhance capacity at this vital junction.
“As many of the artefacts already found have links to the site’s aviation past, the plan is to hand them over to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Heritage Centre near Hornchurch to create a new display celebrating the history of the area.”
Archaeologists before starting work on site at the Maylands Aerodrome in Brentwood in summer last year (Image: National Highways)
Daniel Cawthra, GRAHAM Regional Stakeholder Communications Manager said: “At GRAHAM, we strive to deliver lasting impact and are dedicated to the protection of the environment. The recent archaeological dig on the M25 junction 28 project site has not only unearthed several artefacts, but it has also provided a unique opportunity to showcase the rich history of the area.
“We are proud to have played a role in uncovering these pieces, and we look forward to seeing them displayed in a fitting location for all to appreciate.” To find out more about the work to improve M25 junction 28, visit the project website here[2].
References
- ^ The latest traffic and travel news from Essex (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ here (nationalhighways.co.uk)