RAF Bawdsey, Radar station and air base in Suffolk, England
The radar station encompasses eight tall masts, with four dedicated to transmitting signals and four designated for receiving radar communications.
The Air Ministry established RAF Bawdsey in 1936 at Bawdsey Manor, creating Britain's first operational radar station under Robert Watson-Watt's supervision.
The site preserves the legacy of radar development through exhibits highlighting technological advancements and the contributions of military personnel during World War II.
The transmitter block functions as a museum dedicated to radar technology, offering exhibits that detail the evolution of detection systems.
During the 1950s, the station received an underground control center with living quarters designed to maintain operations during potential nuclear strikes.
Location: England
Inception: 1936
Part of: ROTOR
Website: https://bawdseyradar.org.uk
GPS coordinates: 51.99364,1.40877
Latest update: March 13, 2025 11:36
Suffolk encompasses a notable array of sites that reflect the history of Britain, from the Middle Ages to World War II. The Norman fortresses of Framlingham and Eye, built in the 12th century, sit alongside Tudor residences like Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, while religious buildings such as St. Edmundsbury Cathedral and Leiston Abbey illustrate the region's medieval architecture. Local museums highlight lesser-known parts of history: Bawdsey Radar Museum documents military research that shaped British defense systems, and the Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum preserves memories of aerial operations from 1943 to 1945. The Suffolk coast offers a variety of natural and heritage landscapes. Dunwich Heath features heathlands and beaches suitable for birdwatching, whereas sites like Pin Mill and Landguard Fort recall the maritime and defensive roles of this coast facing the North Sea. John Constable’s paintings have immortalized places like Flatford Mill in East Bergholt, shaping the visual identity of this English landscape. Estates such as Ickworth House in Bury St Edmunds and Easton Farm complete this panorama, revealing Georgian lifestyles and traditional agricultural practices of the county.
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Post box IP12 6315 - Bawdsey, Suffolk
2.1 kmReviews
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