The Battle of Tempsford – AD 917
Tempsford was the site of a significant battle in 917 AD, when King Edward the Elder defeated the Danish Vikings and recaptured the fortified settlement at Tempsford. This victory helped shape the future of England and marked an important moment in the unification of the country.
RAF Tempsford – Britain's Secret Airfield
Walking distance 90 minutes
Car 5 minute drive with short 15 minute walk
During the Second World War, RAF Tempsford became one of Britain's most secret and important airfields. From here, brave pilots flew dangerous night missions, parachuting Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents and vital supplies into Nazi-occupied Europe to support resistance movements.
Many famous agents, including Violette Szabo, Noor Inayat Khan and Odette Sansom, departed from RAF Tempsford on missions of extraordinary courage. Between 1942 and 1945, almost 1,000 agents and thousands of supply containers were flown from the airfield in support of Allied operations.
-
Discover more about RAF Tempsford: https://www.tempsfordmuseum.co.uk/raf-tempsford
Tempsford Museum & Archives
If you'd like to learn more about the village's remarkable past, a visit to Tempsford Museum & Archives is highly recommended.
The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, documents, artefacts and stories celebrating the history of the village and RAF Tempsford.
Open the last sunday of every month at Stewart Memorial Hall, Church Street, Tempsford.
Tea and cake available to purchase.