The village where a man built a flying machine and bombers left for Germany during WWI

In the days of Ryanair and SpaceX, it is hard to believe that we once looked to birds to teach us how to reach the sky. However, that is exactly what one man from a thatched-roof-filled little village ten miles southeast of Cambridge was doing back in the 19th century.

Aviation pioneer E.P. Frost lived in a grand manor house in West Wratting, called West Wratting Hall. He built an ‘ornithopter’ in the 1870s, with wings that flapped like birds’ wings.

This early attempt failed, yet Frost and his colleagues built a simpler version in 1904. This time, the flapping wings managed to lift the machine off the floor, though it was not a sustained flight.

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The innovator went on to become the first president of the Aeronautical Society between 1908 and 1911.

What role might West Wratting have had to play in E.P. Frost’s dedication to flying? Maybe the fact it is the second-highest village in the county inspired him to reach even greater heights, or maybe he was simply looking to fly away.

Of course, we will never know Frost’s thoughts on the village. However, with the information below, you can discover whether West Wratting is the place for you.

Rural pub of the year winner

West Wratting might have just one remaining pub, but it’s a top-notch one. The Chestnut Tree in Mill Road was awarded the title of Rural Pub of the Year by Cambridge and District CAMRA (campaign for real ale) last year.

Many of the 182 Google reviewers that gave an average rating of 4.7 / 5 stars attest to the fact that this pub provides high-quality food and drinks that hit the spot. However, the pub often does a lot more for the community – having previously been the site of a small library, a prescription drop-off point with links to a local health centre, and a parcel drop-off point.

Demon monkey

Birds might have provided the inspiration for E.P. Frost, but it’s dogs and monkeys that came together to create the Shug Monkey – a creature said to have lurked between West Wratting and nearby Balsham. This demon-like figure has the body of a black shaggy sheepdog, the face of a monkey, and staring eyes.

According to one local folklorist, there have been no reported sightings of the Shug Monkey since before World War Two – though the juries’ out on whether it is gone for good, or it is simply waiting for the right time to rear its monkey head.

Airfield where bombers left for Germany during World War One

Between West Wratting, West Wickham, Carlton and Withersfield sat RAF Wratting Common, which played an important role during the later years of World War Two. The last months of the war saw many bombing missions over Germany mounted from this base.

Between its start in 1943 and the end of the war in 1945, around 1,500 military personnel were stationed here. One squadron used it at a time, but three in total were hosted at RAF Wratting Common.

The last aircraft moved from the base in June 1946 and the site has since been returned to its original, rural use.

Falling house prices

If West Wratting is the place for you, now might be the time to move. According to RightMove, homes sold here cost an impressive 34 percent less over the last year than during the 12 months before.

West Wratting has some fascinating stories to tell. It is a must-see spot for any aeroplane enthusiasts, with its links to early attempts at flight and World War Two bombers.