From the filming locations of TV favourites such as ‘Gavin and Stacey’ to the Fire Brigade Station where the first female BBC war correspondent worked during the Blitz, a new digital map highlights the people, places and buildings that have defined the BBC in its centenary year.
… iconic broadcasting buildings…
Historic England writes:
Today (13 October), Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Environment Division, Northern Ireland Communities Department and Cadw, launch a new interactive map of 100 buildings and places around the UK, to celebrate 100 years of the BBC.
The map offers insight into the diversity of sites across the UK that are key to the history of the BBC – from famous studios to iconic broadcast locations.
100 Places for 100 Years of the BBC
In the BBC’s centenary year, explore 100 key BBC places around the UK – from famous studios to iconic broadcast locations.
“This is a great opportunity to discover the influential BBC buildings and places on your doorstep. In 100 years, the BBC invented and then transformed the broadcast landscape; keeping us up to date with the latest news and making us laugh and cry with their comedy and drama programmes. It’s fascinating to see how, all over the UK, the history of the BBC exists in our historic buildings and sites.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief ExecutiveHistoric England
“From the world’s first radio factory in Chelmsford to the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Ballroom in Blackpool, the BBC has played a central role in broadcasting and our national life over the past 100 years. It’s brilliant to see the many locations that played a role in the BBC’s heritage recognised and celebrated on this map, while helping people learn more about their local history.”
Lord Kamall, Heritage Minister
“In our centenary year, we are delighted to be working with national historic partners to explore the BBC’s presence right across the UK, from Poldark at Charlestown Harbour in Cornwall to DI Perez’s house in Lerwick, Shetland. Along with popular TV locations, we showcase our BBC buildings and engineering centres that have become landmarks on and off screen, entering directly into the nation’s living rooms and connecting us with the wider world.”
Robert Seatter, Head of BBC History
Four key themes to explore on the map:
Programmes that bring us together
Celebrating the programmes that we have listened to and watched together, from Sir David Attenborough at the BBC Studios Natural History Unit in Broadcasting House Bristol to the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the venue of the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ live semi-final show each year.
Iconic broadcasting buildings
BBC television and radio programmes have been, and continue to be, made in striking buildings around the UK, from state-of-the-art sound studios to dramatic filming locations.
Early studios were often in adapted buildings like 31 Linenhall Street, Belfast, a former linen warehouse. Then the BBC created specially designed, state-of-the-art buildings such as Broadcasting House, London, which opened in 1932 and Television Centre in 1960.
Technology that transforms our lives
Innovative broadcast technology has changed our lives over the past 100 years, from the first signals sent to the radio set in our homes to digital broadcasting becoming available on the smartphone in our pockets.
You might know the first regular high-definition television service was broadcast from Alexandra Palace in 1936, but did you know the world’s first purpose-built radio factory is Marconi’s in Chelmsford?
People in a diverse and changing Britain
Learn more about the people behind the places. From Shibden Hall, where the popular drama ‘Gentleman Jack’ was filmed at Anne Lister’s own home to 16c Brunswick Park in Camberwell, London where the BBC’s first Black woman broadcaster and producer, Una Marson lived, marked now by a special plaque.
Key places of interest that appear on the map:
- Broadcasting House, London
- Fire Station at Chiltern Street, London
- Charlestown Harbour, Cornwall
- The Mitre, Newcastle
- The Corn Exchange, Bedford
- Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, Llangollen
- Barry Island West Shelter and Amusement Arcade, Barry Island
- Tobermory, Isle of Mull
- The Lodberrie, Shetland
- Buchanan Street Police Box, Glasgow
- Broadcasting House, Belfast
- Belfast Central Library, Belfast
- Kearney Village, County Down
