Poldhu radio site recognised as world-first on 125th anniversary

Summarised from Falmouth Packet's report · Updated 19 Oct, 20:20 · Archive

The Marconi Centre at Poldhu Cove in Cornwall has been named a 'World Origin site' almost 125 years after sending the first transatlantic radio signal.

The Marconi Centre at Poldhu Cove in Cornwall has been awarded 'World Origin site' status in recognition of its role in broadcasting history. The award, marked by the unveiling of a special plaque on Saturday, places the centre alongside other landmarks including Kittyhawk Beach in the USA, where the first aeroplane flew in 1903, and St Mary's Hospital in London, where penicillin was discovered in 1928.

In December 1901, Marconi's team transmitted the letter 'S' in Morse code from Poldhu to St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, a distance of more than 2,000 miles. This achievement proved that radio signals could travel beyond the horizon over the curvature of the Earth, establishing the foundation for modern radio communication. Neil Whitham, chairman of Poldhu Amateur Radio Club, noted that mobile phones use the same principles pioneered by Marconi, though on different frequencies and scales from the massive antennae constructed at the site.

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• Poldhu radio site recognised with award on 125th anniversary of historic signalA historic site in Cornwall has been celebrated with a prestigious award – almost 125 years after it sent the first radio signal over the Atlantic.Falmouth Packet · 19 Oct, 19:54

In this story: Poldhu Cove · Marconi Centre · Guglielmo Marconi · Cornwall · St. John's · Newfoundland and Labrador · Neil Whitham

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