Renowned historian and broadcaster Dan Snow has been appointed the latest patron of a Great War aerodrome.

The BBC One Show history presenter has been named a patron at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.

Mr Snow has supported the site since his visit to the airfield to view some of the newly-renovated buildings and visit the Royal Flying Corps Home Defence Museum in May last year.

The historian was given a guided tour of the Royal Flying Corps buildings by Maldon MP John Whittingdale and Chairman of Trustees at Stow Maries Peter Martin.

Mr Snow graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, with a first-class honours Degree in Modern History and has gone to present a range of history programmes since 2002.

He has presented on many of the state occasions such as the 200th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Trafalgar, and the 60th anniversary of the end of Second World War.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Mr Snow visiting Stow Maries Aerodrome in May last year

Mr Snow has also travelled through war zones in Congo and Syria to make programmes about the historical context of those conflicts and created History Hit TV, a subscription video streaming site, offering a selection of history documentaries.

Mr Snow said: “This vital heritage site is an extraordinary place; a moment in time captured for posterity and commemoration. It must survive.

“Not only as a tribute to those that served in the conflict, but also as a salute to the early aviators that our nation relied upon across the 20th century.”

Dan Snow is the youngest son of BBC television journalist Peter Snow.

Ian Flint, CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, said: “Having Mr Snow advocating us is a wonderful coup for the trust. We are very proud to be linked to Dan and welcome his support.

“Being so invested in preserving and celebrating our national heritage, he is an ideal patron for us.”

For more information about visiting Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.