Old Warden and the Shuttleworth Collection

Recently I had the opportunity to visit one of the world’s greatest and most significant collections of historic aircraft – the Shuttleworth Collection.

This living museum, where many of these old airplanes still fly, is located in Bedfordshire, England, around 50 miles north of London and easy to reach by car.

Among its collections are some of the oldest flying aircraft anywhere in the world. While these may not have the same scale and excitement as an Airbus A380 or Eurofighter Typhoon, they are undeniably significant.

About The Shuttleworth Collection

The Shuttleworth Collection, located at Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire, UK, is a unique and historically significant aviation museum that dates back to 1928. It was founded by Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a passionate aviator and engineer, who began collecting and restoring vintage aircraft and automobiles. Shuttleworth’s dedication to preserving aviation history was cut short by his death during World War II, but his family continued his legacy, officially opening the collection to the public in 1963. Over the years, the Shuttleworth Collection has become one of the world’s most renowned collections of vintage aircraft, with many of its planes still airworthy and regularly flown at special events.

The collection features a broad range of aircraft from the early pioneers of flight to World War II, making it a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. Among the highlights are early biplanes and triplanes, including the 1909 Blériot XI, which famously crossed the English Channel.

Many of the aircraft on display are in flying condition, maintained by a dedicated team of engineers and pilots. This sets the Shuttleworth Collection apart from most aviation museums, as visitors can not only admire the aircraft on static display but also witness them in action during flying days.

The Shuttleworth Collection holds a significant place in the preservation of aviation history. It showcases the evolution of aviation technology and provides a tangible link to the pioneers of flight. By keeping many of its aircraft operational, the collection offers a living history experience that continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Museum

Old Warden Aerodrome is a historic grass airfield near Biggleswade. It sits alongside the mansion where the Shuttleworth family once lived.

The museum itself occupies a row of hangars along the northern side of the airfield, and visitors can wander in and out of these to see some the aircraft on display, including some very early types – often just bits of wood, string and cloth!

There’s also a café and shop to enjoy, and you can look inside the engineering workshop where various aircraft parts and sections are often being worked on.

Important Aircraft on Display

Some of the most important aircraft in the Shuttleworth Collection include:

Bleriot XI G-AANG

This is the world’s oldest airworthy aircraft.

It dates from 1909 and still regularly takes part in flying displays at Old Warden.

De Havilland DH.51 G-EBIR ‘Miss Kenya’

This is the world’s oldest airworthy de Havilland aircraft. It was built in 1925 and had an interesting life. It is restored in the colours of Aircraft Travel & Transport Co.

Blackburn Type D G-AANI

This simplistic and early aircraft is the oldest British aircraft still flying. It dates from 1912.

De Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS ‘Grosvenor House’

The Comet (not to be confused with the later airliner) is one of the most stylish designs of early aviation, and this particular aircraft won the London to Melbourne Air Race in 1934.

Avro Anson G-AHKX

An important transport and utility aircraft during World War II, the Anson saw around 11,000 examples built. This aircraft was donated by BAE to the Shuttleworth Collection to ensure it remained in preservation for future generations.

Avro 504K G-ADEV

Built in 1918, this aircraft served in both World Wars and still wows onlookers as it performs aerial aerobatics at airshows.

Westland Lysander G-AZWT

One of the most unusual wartime aircraft designs, this Lysander was built in 1942 and is one of only a few still airworthy anywhere in the world.

There are many more aircraft in the collection, some of which are replicas, and others originals. You can get up close to them in the museum, or see them fly at the many events held throughout the year.

How to Visit the Shuttleworth Collection

Located in the green English countryside, the Shuttleworth Collection makes for a great day out.

It is located at Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire, alongside the historic Shuttleworth House which you can also visit.

The address is: Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DT

Opening Times

The Shuttleworth Collection is open daily (except 24 December-2 January) from 10am-4pm (Winter) and 10am-5pm (Summer).

You can book admission in advance, as well as checking out their schedule of air displays and events, at their website: https://www.shuttleworth.org/visit/