The Life of Langham Dome
About forty-five concrete Dome teachers were built across the UK. Most have been demolished or simply fallen apart. Langham is a lucky survivor.
1942 – 43 Very New and Very Top Secret
Following its construction in 1942, Langham’s new state-of-the-art Dome Teacher was at the forefront of Britain’s anti-aircraft (AA) defence in World War 2 (WW2). With its projection systems, ventilation machinery and dummy gun, the dome was on the very cutting-edge of technology and played a key role in helping to train those protecting the country from air attack.
1946 A Pilot’s Eye View
Lots of vehicles parked outside Langham Dome show that something was going on there at this time. We haven’t found any close-up pictures of its early years. Might you have one?
1956-58 Closed Until Further Notice
Langham Dome is last used for training gunners sometime between 1956 and 1958. The last trainees to use this building are from the Territorial Army.
1961 From Airfield to Agriculture
In 1961, the Langham site was purchased by Norfolk poultry producer, Bernard Matthews Limited. Like many other old wartime airfields across the county, the runways proved a perfect site for building turkey-rearing sheds.
1986 Forgotten and Crumbling
The Dome meanwhile, never built to be a permanent structure, began to decompose. Over time, the lattice of reinforcing steel ribs and steel mesh (known as ‘Hy-rib’) within its concrete shell started to rust and swell, cracking and pushing off the cement. It is entered onto the schedule of official Ancient Monuments, but many people have forgotten what it was used for.
1996 Local People Raise Alarm
Langham Parish Council alerts North Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust to the Dome’s importance and its need for restoration.
2008 Put into Trust
Ownership of Langham Dome is transferred from Bernard Mathews Ltd to North Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust, so as to protect its future.
2010 Acquires Friends
The ‘Friends of Langham Dome’ group is formed, enabling the local community and others to unite to help preserve the history of this now rare and important building.
2013 Secure and Protected
Energy, time and hard work by scores of supporters, brings in grant money to stabilise, restore and refurbish the building.
2014 Restored and Open to the Public
This year sees Langham Dome reopen as a visitor centre. Its mission – to reveal the significance of the Dome and RAF Langham in the defence of Britain during and after World War 2 and remember the sacrifices made.