A vertical spinning tunnel in Bedfordshire used to test aerodynamics has joined some of the more unusual buildings and places that have been listed by Historic England this year in the East of England.
The wind tunnel at Twinwoods, in Milton Ernest on the outskirts of Bedford, is among the 500 historic places that have been added to the National Heritage List for England in 2019 with 88 in the East of England.
Vertical spinning tunnel, former high speed laboratory complex, Twinwoods Business Park, Milton Ernest, Bedfordshire – Listed Grade II
The vertical spinning tunnel, built between 1948 and 1955, was a specialised facility to investigate aerodynamics and flight systems. It is a well-preserved example of a very rare building type.
It worked by blowing air upwards against the gravitational force on a free-falling aircraft model, allowing the study of the ways in which an aircraft could enter a spin and how to recover from it.
It was the only steel pressurised vertical spinning tunnel ever made, and its construction pioneered the technique of welding on site pre-formed metal plates for the assembly of large pressure vessels.
It was part of the largest post-war development by the Royal Aircraft Establishment – a British research unit that eventually came under the Ministry of Defence – and was one of the most advanced aviation research facilities in Europe.
“There’s so much incredible history around the Vertical Spinning Tunnel (VST), and the wider site, so it’s great that this will continue to be preserved for generations to come.
“Things have obviously changed since it was built, especially in 2005 when it was converted to be one of the first indoor skydiving tunnels in the world, and we love that we’ve been able to bring it back to life while keeping it true to its roots.
“Not only can anyone fly in our tunnel, but you can now try our new war-themed escape room, Morse Code, which is actually built in to the roof. You can even jump 125ft from the top with our Vertigo adventure.
“We’re very proud of our heritage, especially around the wind tunnel, and we will be looking at new ways to help bring its amazing story to life for our visitors.”
Tony Calladine, Historic England’s regional director for the East of England said, “A fascinating range of historic buildings and sites are added to the List each year, and 2019 is no exception.
“Examples of our wonderful heritage, from the remains of a Roman villa to a 1980s designed landscape – the most modern on the List – have been newly protected, illustrating how the East of England has been shaped by people and their buildings for thousands of years.
“By celebrating the extraordinary historic places which surround us, above and below ground, we hope to inspire in people a greater interest in our shared heritage, and a commitment to pass it on.”
Heritage minister Helen Whately said, “England is home to many historic, iconic, and sometimes quirky sites. Protecting our heritage is of huge importance so future generations can better understand all the things that have made this nation great. I’m delighted that such a diverse range of important and interesting places were protected by Historic England in 2019.”
