Poldhu

OS Grid ref:- SW6619

On the cliffs of Poldhu Cove, the birthplace of wireless telegraphy, stands Marconi's memorial, a granite column, the solitary reminder of the momentous events which occured there, since the historic buildings were dismantled in 1937, although their concrete foundations remain.

Guglielmo Marconi erected a wireless staion of a size never before believed possible on the site in 1900. Shortly after midday on 12th December, 1901, radio signals sent from here spanned the Atlantic and were received by Marconi at Signal Hill, St. John, Newfoundland, he distinguished three faint clicks through the earphones of his wireless receiver, the Morse Code letter "S".

Wireless telegraphy was later to play a vital part in the First World War. In 1924, the Marconi-Franklin beam system was also transmitted from Poldhu, which revolutionised long-range radio communication. Short wave beam systems followed. The coaxial cable, an integral feature of television installation was later devised as a result of research carried out at Poldhu.

The Marconi Centre was opened on 12th December, 2001, a hundred years to the day when the first radio transmissions were sent from Poldhu. The centre, which provides a permanent commemoration and acknowledgement of Marconi's work and achievements was funded by the National Trust and the Marconi Company and contains many displays and a great deal of information. The centre also provides a new operating base for the local amateur radio club.

The beach at Poldhu, (Cornish for Black Pool) a popular location with surfers, is backed by sand dunes and a small car park is situated by the beach, lifeguards operate July - August. The area around the cove offers attractive coastal walks with spectacular views.

Image reproduced courtesy of Sundial Photographics