Bawdsey Radar Trust

Following the bombing experienced from aircraft in WW1, Britain tried to devise ways of detecting and destroying incoming aircraft. Some of these ideas involved concrete sound mirrors and even death rays all of which were impractical, inefficient or impossible. During 1935 Robert Watson-Watt and Arnold Wilkins demonstrated, with a basic experiment, that it was possible to detect aircraft using radio waves. They were immediately given the opportunity to develop this at the research establishment on Orfordness. After 6 months and many successful experiments, they had outgrown the Orfordness laboratory. Bawdsey Manor, a local elevated site was purchased by the Government to build the world’s first operational radar station. This station was the prototype of the Chain Home series of radar stations that helped win the battle of Britain in 1940, win the war and pave the way for many inventions we take for granted today (microwaves, medical equipment, reversing sensors, air traffic control etc). In 2016 and after a lot of hard work and dedication Bawdsey Radar Trust secured £1.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and other trusts and charities, to undertake a full restoration and to save the Grade II* listed Transmitter Block for future generations. Since its completion the Transmitter Block has received: • An international award of merit for its concrete restoration • A RIBA Suffolk Craftmanship Award • A Historic England Angel Award for restoration works • The High Sheriff award for contribution to Suffolk tourism • Shortlisted for the RIBA East architectural award • Suffolk Coastal Quality of Place Award in the Conservation category • 2019 Civic Trust Conservation Award