Bentley Priory Museum - Stanmore

Last week I went to view a flat with my friend. On the way home, we drove past Bentley Priory which has just been renovated and had a museum built. I said to Ali as we drove towards it, "I really want to go to the museum that's just opened in there." He said to me, "why don't we go now?"

So we did.

Bentley Priory was an RAF base in Stanmore from 1926 until 2008. The house dates back to 1775, but I don't need to give a history lesson, you can read about it's rich history here on Wikipedia. 

Or you could go to the Museum if you're in London. It really is worth it. 

Having grown up in this area, like most locals, I was sceptical about what the developers were going to do when they bought the house. However, they have sensitively restored it and the whole downstairs area is dedicated to a brilliant museum all about the RAF and The Battle of Britain. It's a beautiful memorial dedicated to those who served. 

Below is a view from a dog walk I'd done the weeks before on the nature reserve/common behind Bentley Priory. 

The grand entrance. 

Ali in the first room which is an introduction and history of the building.

There's such a mish mash of styles all over this amazing old house due to it going through so many different families and changes over the years. Just look at that mosaic floor outside. And the wonderful new ceiling artwork in this room above, with it's teeny planes painted in.

I can't wait to go there in the summer and get a coffee in the cafe and sit on the lawn outside.

^^The impressive tapestry^^

^^I believe the stained glass windows are all a fairly new commission^^

If you're a fan of stately homes, history, war things, head on down. It's a fascinating place. Will take 2 or 3 hours to do thoroughly. Ali and I were quite fast and took just over an hour, but I totally intend to go back. 

XXX