The Memorial Museum Building in Manston, near Ramsgate, houses an ever increasing number of memorabilia and artefacts, both military and civil, mainly from the 1939-45 Second World War period and which are well worth viewing.
The Spitfire Hall was officially opened on the 13th of June 1981 to house Spitfire TB752and was the very first building to be erected on any RAF Station to house a gate-guardian aircraft. The hall cost some £30,000; the funding for which cam e from voluntary fund raising efforts and donations from the people of Thanet.
The Hurricane Hall was officially opened by Dame Vera Lynn on the 7th October, 1988 to house Hurricane LF751 and cost in excess of £100,000, being appreciably larger than the companion building and also provides an area for a small shop, which does most of the museum’s fundraising by selling aviation souvenirs. Entrance to both buildings is free, as are the car and coach parks and the Museum only survives on generous donations from the public. There is also an excellent café on site.
Across the road there is also the RAF Manston History museum whose collection of cold war jets and memorabilia perfectly complements the Spitfire Museum’s display. The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum is open 7 days a week from 10-4pm during the winter and 10-5pm during the summer.
Tel; 01843 821 940
Email; enquiries@spitfiremusuem.org.uk
Web; www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk
Coach and school parties and bookings are most welcome.
