Shorts Floatplane landing at Rochester Cathedral this August

Shorts Floatplane landing at Rochester Cathedral this August
August Rochester Cathedral
How do you fit a plane in a medieval Cathedral? That’s the challenge Rochester Bridge Trust took on when they proposed displaying a recently restored Short Scion Floatplane inside Rochester Cathedral. The newly restored Short Scion Floatplane G-AEZF has been rebuilt by Medway Aircraft Preservation Society Limited (MAPSL). The aircraft was built in the Short Brothers factory that was once located on Rochester Esplanade, a short walk from the Cathedral. Constructed in 1937, the plane saw service in the Second World War before becoming a civilian aircraft. After years of disuse it had deteriorated significantly. Thanks to a grant from Rochester Bridge Trust, volunteers from MAPSL have painstakingly restored it. This Summer we’re squeezing a plane into Rochester Cathedral to celebrate the rich history of aviation in Medway. A newly restored Short Scion Floatplane will be on display in our Nave throughout August. It will be accompanied by free family activities and an exhibition exploring the legacy of the Short Brothers. Amazingly, the plane was built just a few minutes walk from the Cathedral on Rochester Esplanade in the Short Brothers Factory back in 1937. We’re delighted to be partnering with Rochester Bridge Trust for this exhibition. We’ve previously worked with them on our Adventure Golf in 2019 and our display of the World’s longest interlocking plastic model brick bridge in 2022.