Codename Hillside - Hughenden Manor in WWII

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009, 11am to 5pm

Stop press! This super event will return to Hughenden on 8-9 May 2010! Please click for details.

A small event - but a big success - staged on behalf of the National Trust, commemorating the role of local people and Hughenden Manor during WWII, with music and song, entertainments, 25-pounder gun firings, children's activities, and living history. The manor was a top secret. RAF intelligence base during the war where vital map making for crucial raids was carried out including the sinking of the Tirpitz and the bombing of Berchtesgaden.

Participating groups and performers included Ancient Wisdom (with his interactive Sink the Tirpitz! display and hilarious Mr Punch vs Adolf Hitler); Earley Days (Children's activities);  Foriegn Field (battle school for children); The Garrison (25-pounder firing displays); Hands on History (make do and mend); Martha's War (Cooking with wartime rations displays); National Fire Service (firemen and pump); Royal Warwickshire Regiment WW2 Re-enactment Group (British infantry 1944);  The Lost Patrol (US paratrooper talk) plus 40s music, song and glamour with trios The Anderson Sisters and The Spitfires. In addition the National Trust arranged guided tours of Secret Hughenden, and more children's activities. The National Trust also invited along wartime veterans who were based at the manor.

All Allied and civilian 1940s re-enactors (especially RAF), vehicle owners and enthusiasts were warmly invited*. Visitors were invited to join in with the spirit of the event by coming in period dress (completely optional, of course, but lots did!). * and are again for 2010, so long as you agree to abide by our terms and conditions of participation !

Groups or individuals wishing to participate in next May's event are invited to register  with us, so we can forward full details, and to click the link for our terms and conditions of participation (link above). Please note, As Hughenden Manor was a British base, we’d prefer not to have too many American impressions, and as it is a Home Front event, no axis impressions please.

Timetable of displays and activities  

Other, ongoing activities

• Living history

• Make "a gas mask", dress up in 40s style clothing and have your photo taken, with Earley Days  (a small charge applies) in the Orchard

• Make do and mend, with Hands on History, also in the Orchard

Admission Prices

Normal admission prices appled, National Trust members free.

Other events 2009

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this and next year.

Updated 13 October 2009