Washford Transmitting Station
A Broadcasting Legacy Since 1933
The Washford Radio Transmitting Station stands as a remarkable piece of broadcasting history. Located near Watchet in Somerset, this facility has been transmitting radio signals for over 90 years.
Historical Timeline
1933 - The Beginning
The Washford Transmitting Station was officially inaugurated in 1933 as the BBC's West Regional Station. It was built to serve the South West of England and South Wales with high-quality radio broadcasts.
The station featured impressive transmitter masts that became landmarks in the Somerset landscape, visible for miles around.
1930s-1950s - The Golden Age
During this period, the station broadcast the BBC's regional programming, including news, drama, music, and entertainment. It played a crucial role during World War II, providing vital information and morale-boosting programming to the region.
The transmitters used cutting-edge technology for the time, employing large valve-based equipment that required constant maintenance and skilled engineers.
1960s-1980s - Modernisation
The station underwent several upgrades as broadcasting technology evolved. New transmitters were installed, and the facility was modernized while maintaining its important role in regional broadcasting.
1990s-Present - Arqiva Era
Following privatisation of broadcast transmission services, the station is now operated by Arqiva. It continues to transmit BBC Radio Wales, Absolute Radio, and TalkSport to the South West of England and South Wales.
The iconic masts remain in operation, now broadcasting digital as well as analogue signals, ensuring the station's continued relevance in modern broadcasting.
Technical Specifications
The Washford Transmitting Station has been home to various transmitter configurations over its lifetime:
Original 1933 Equipment
- Frequency: Medium Wave (MW)
- Power Output: High-power valve transmitters
- Coverage: South West England and South Wales
- Technology: Vacuum tube (valve) based transmitters
Modern Configuration
- Services: BBC Radio Wales, Absolute Radio, TalkSport
- Technology: Solid-state transmitters with digital capability
- Operator: Arqiva (formerly National Grid Wireless)
- Status: Operational 24/7
The Museum Connection
The Radio Museum houses a significant piece of BBC transmitter equipment identical to what would have been used at the Washford Station during its peak years. This transmitter forms one of the centrepieces of our collection.
When the original Washford Radio Museum opened at Tropiquaria in May 1993, its primary aim was to preserve and share the fascinating history of the Washford Transmitting Station and its role in the development of radio broadcasting.
Our exhibits include:
- A major component of a BBC transmitter from the Washford era
- Photographs documenting the station's construction and operation
- Technical documentation and engineering records
- Receivers from various periods that would have received Washford's broadcasts
- Stories and memories from engineers who worked at the station
Visiting the Masts
The Washford Transmitting Station masts remain an impressive sight and are visible from many locations around Watchet and the surrounding countryside. While the station itself is not open to the public (being an active transmission facility), the masts can be viewed from public areas nearby.
⚠️ Important Note
The Washford Transmitting Station is an active, operational facility and is not open to public visits. Please respect the security perimeter and do not attempt to enter the site.
To learn more about the station's history and see original equipment, please visit the Radio Museum in Watchet.
Broadcasting Heritage
The Washford Transmitting Station represents over 90 years of continuous broadcasting service to the South West of England. It stands as a testament to the BBC's commitment to regional broadcasting and the evolution of radio technology from its early valve-based beginnings to modern solid-state digital transmitters.
The station's longevity demonstrates the excellent site selection and engineering expertise that went into its original construction in 1933, and its continued operation ensures that this important piece of broadcasting infrastructure remains a living part of Britain's radio heritage.