UK lottery money to safeguard birthplace of radar

A transmitter block known as the birthplace of radar is to be safeguarded as part of a scheme to conserve some of the UK’s most important Second World War heritage.

Bawdsley Transmitter Block in Suffolk, known as the birthplace of radar, which is to be safeguarded as part of a scheme to conserve some of the UK’s most important Second World War heritage Image by Heritage Lottery Fund/PA Wire

The Bawdsey Radar Transmitter Block in Suffolk, home to the world’s first fully operational radar station, has received £1.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help deliver a £1.8 million project to conserve the building. The transmitter helped win the Second World War, playing a vital part in the Battle of Britain. It is said the technology pioneered at the site helped shorten the war by two years.

The de Havilland museum in Hertfordshire, which has been awarded a #62,200 grant to help with a construction project from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Image by Heritage Lottery Fund/PA WIre

The National Lottery investment will also see the oldest aviation museum in the UK, the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in Hertfordshire, awarded £62,200 to help with a construction project.

Robyn Llewellyn, head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: “The East of England played a vital role during the Second World War, particularly in the field of aviation. Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Lottery Fund has been able to invest in two transformational projects that will ensure many more people in the region and beyond are able to explore these pivotal stories from one of our nation’s most important periods in its history.”

Built in 1938, the transmitter block at RAF Bawdsey is now Grade II* listed. It is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and in need of urgent repair. The Bawdsey Radar Trust will use the money to conserve the building and help improve access for the public. The project will highlight the block’s scientific history, including how it laid the foundations for inventions such as GPS, accurate weather forecasting, speed safety cameras and the microwave oven.

Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal, said: “It is incredibly important we tell the Bawdsey and Suffolk coast story of where radar originated and its key role in World War Two.”

The grant to the de Havilland museum will help towards a £1.5 million project to better house its collection of de Havilland aircraft.

(Press Association)