Buildings 63 And 66 (Stores)

Buildings 63 and 66, originally main stores (63) and clothing stores (66), date from 1917 and were constructed by the War Office's Directorate of Fortifications and Works, based on drawings numbered 285/17 and 284/17. They are now used as general stores or offices. These simple, open-gabled sheds are set end-to-end with a continuous frontage, and appear to have been originally separate structures, as evidenced by a section with a roof distinct from Building 66. Building 63 has a higher roof with a slightly steeper pitch than 66. The buildings feature painted brickwork and slate roofs supported on steel trusses.

The buildings have wide entrances via doors on their long southern sides. All windows are steel small-pane casements with thin slate sills, flush concrete lintels, and slight reveals. Building 63 has a pair of full-height plank doors centrally located, as well as one 2-light casement window on the gable end. A rear extension has a lower pitched roof and a further casement window. Three large patent-glazing ridge roof lights are also present. Building 66 is similar, but its windows extend to the eaves level, incorporating two windows on the return, and two roof lights. Internally, the metal roof trusses are supported on brick piers.

These buildings are historically significant as part of a remarkably well-preserved group, representing the original 1917 layout and designs of Duxford. They have retained their original external appearance with minimal alteration and are representative of early military aviation designs. They are closely associated with the main hangar group located immediately to the south. Duxford’s Training Depot Station, featuring hangars and ancillary buildings, is the most complete World War I airfield group in Britain, reflecting the critical role of pilot training during that period.