Stokesay
Note: This map only gives a general location of the site used within the UK.
STOKESAY: Temporary flying site
Operated by: Mr Ernest Maund
Location: A field near to Stokesay village, W of the A49, 1.5nm S to SSE of Craven Arms
Period of operation: 1904 (are the exact dates of operation known?)
NOTES: In compiling this 'Guide', as often as not it is impossible to conduct serious research on any given site, especially one such as this. In certain quarters a few people are, for example, trying to make a claim for Ernest Maund to be regarded as one of the founding fathers of flight in the UK.
However, in this case Philip Jarrett has investigated this in considerable detail, and published his research in a fascinating article published in the Summer 2012 edition of Prop-Swing magazine.
The episode certainly needs to be recorded in this 'Guide' as there is, it seems, an element of truth in it. Very briefly it does appear that Ernest Maund purchased and assembled an aeroplane, (he did not design it), and it does appear he attempted to fly it. This was probably in 1910 rather than 1904!
Given the knowledge we have today, (and it happened regularly in those early years), it seems fairly certain that he 'pulled the stick back' far too enthusiastically, and stalled. Aeroplanes do not "land safely" after being stalled!
THE CREATION OF A MYTH
For example I have discovered mentions that during 1904, in a machine designed and built by himself, Mr Maund performed a short flight climbing to about 40 ft before safely landing. Powered by just a 10hp engine he failed to fly long enough to claim the £1,000 offered by the Daily Mail to be the first person to fly an heavier-than-air machine one mile and appears to have given up. In fact the Daily Mail prize was offered in 1910!
Even so, one might easily assume, this claim has to considered very seriously indeed as this 'flight' rates as a very serious contender for the accolade of “First Ever British” powered flight - by a long way. Or does it?
If there is indeed substance behind this claim, why don’t we now regard this attempt with the fame and honour it so obviously appears to deserve? It was just a short hop, nothing more, nothing less and Maund appears to have been not in control of the machine. These were notes I made very early on in my research, and so little did I know.
In his article Philip Jarrett methodically tears the claims apart, piece by piece, exposing the claim to be an utter sham.
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