Just like our trusty vehicles, planes too have a lifespan. So what happens when they're deemed unfit for the skies or simply retired?
Well, much like us, they find their final resting place in a graveyard.
Not your typical cemetery, mind you, but an aircraft graveyard.
And would you believe it, there's one tucked away just a short drive from London. This plane graveyard, also known as an aircraft boneyard, is nestled between the Skylark Hotel and London Southend Airport - just an hour's drive along the M25 from South London, and even closer for those in East and parts of North London.
This overgrown plot, strewn with dusty, forgotten planes, sits on land believed to be owned by the hotel and borders the airport. It's thought that some of these aircraft could date back to the 1950s, according to our sister site Essex Live.
Just imagine the stories these old birds could tell if you peeked inside. Fancy finding out more, or perhaps planning a visit to see for yourself?
Where is the graveyard?
You can spot three planes via Google Maps' satellite view at Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6UN.
The patch of land behind the Skylark Hotel has been left untouched for years, allowing nature to slowly reclaim the planes amidst the overgrown vegetation.
A quick Google search reveals three aircraft in the graveyard - two larger ones resembling modern passenger planes and a smaller one, possibly a private plane designed for fewer passengers.
So, what types of aircraft are gathering dust in this graveyard?
Several posts on the Fighter Control forum offer some clues about these abandoned planes.
One post suggests that the two larger aircraft could be ex-RAAF Hawker Siddeley HS 748's. For those not in the know, this is a medium-sized turboprop airliner originally designed and produced by British aircraft manufacturer Avro.
However, there's no official confirmation yet on the exact type of aircraft languishing at the site.
But how did they end up there?
The precise reason why these planes were left here remains a mystery.
They don't seem to have crash-landed as the bodywork on the larger planes appears largely undamaged from a distance, although they are rusting and have been targeted by graffiti artists.
Unfortunately, the history of these planes may forever remain unknown.
Get WhatsApp alerts for the latest news
You can sign up to get the latest news, top stories and exclusives sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
To get stories sent to you, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team.
We also treat our subscribers to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
How can you get a glimpse of them?
Access to the area is restricted with locked gates and fences, so you can't just stroll up to the planes.
However, you can catch sight of one of the larger planes from afar if you stand in the hotel's car park.
Remember, it's always advisable to seek permission from the landowner before entering any private area.
Trespassing on someone's land or property without consent could potentially lead to legal repercussions.
Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's Daily Newsletter HERE to get the biggest stories every day.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
