The Local Area

Royal Air Force High Wycombe is situated in pleasant wooded country which is predominately a National Trust Area in the heart of the Chilterns. The station nestles amongst the residential villages of Walter’s Ash and Naphill and is ideally situated for visiting some of the more attractive English countryside.

Scenic beauty and history are combined at several points close to the station and within brief travelling distance. It is impossible to mention all of the many places of significance; however, some of them are mentioned below.

Hughenden Manor

Hughenden was originally mentioned in the Domesday Book and was part of the lands given to Bishop Odo, brother of William the Conqueror. Hughenden Manor’s most recent claim to fame is that it was once the family home of Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield KG. The manor, its contents and 180 acres of parkland have been given to the public as a permanent memorial to this 19th Century statesman, and the house is now a public museum administered by the National Trust. Disraeli is buried in the family vault at Hughenden Churchyard and his tomb is the goal of an annual pilgrimage on ‘Primrose Day’ (April 19th). The Church itself possesses many fine works of art; among them is a white marble monument erected by Queen Victoria in memory of Disraeli. Above the seat formerly occupied by Disraeli hangs the Garter Banner and Insignia which were transferred from St George’s Chapel, Windsor, by command of Queen Victoria.

Bradenham Manor

Bradenham, like Hughenden, is also mentioned in the Domesday Book. The manor was once owned by the Disraeli’s, parents of Benjamin, who later became Prime Minister, and Earl of Beaconsfield. Bradenham Manor is not open to the public but there is a fine view of it from the village green.

West Wycombe

A couple of miles from RAF High Wycombe, on the High Wycombe to Princes Risborough Road, lies the attractive village of West Wycombe. On a hillock immediately behind the village is the Church with the Golden Ball, a fine example of English architecture. The interior of the church was renovated by Sir Francis Dashwood, a local landowner, in an Italian design typical of the 18th Century. On the ceiling of the sanctuary is a painting of the Last Supper by Borginis in which Judas Iscariot is depicted at such an angle that wherever the viewer stands he feels Judas to be looking at him. There is also some fine Spanish leatherwork on the altar which dates from the 14th Century, as well as other valuable objects. On the way down from the church you will pass the formidable mausoleum which is in the Palladian style, again constructed by order of Sir Francis Dashwood. Within its great stone walls, the mausoleum is reputed to have witnessed human sacrifices, offered as part of the rituals for Black Mass. It is floodlit at night and presents an awesome sight from the A40 road far below. The same Sir Francis Dashwood was responsible for the formation of the Hell Fire Club. Meetings were held in the caves which are reputed to have witnessed many orgies when club members, including John Wiles the bawdy politician, the Earl of Sandwich and other prominent statesmen, celebrated the Black Mass. The caves stretch for a quarter of a mile underground and are now open to the public. A running commentary on the history of the caves is transmitted and there are several exhibits on display.