Borough Hill
| Borough Hill | |
| Northamptonshire | |
|---|---|
 Radio mast on Borough Hill | |
| Summit: | 653 ft SP588622 52°15’17"N, 1°8’24"W |
Borough Hill is a hill to the east of the town of Daventry in the south-west of Northamptonshire. It rises to 653 feet above sea level and dominates the surrounding area.
Remains have been found on the hill of two Iron Age hillforts, and two Bronze Age barrows and of a later Roman villa and farming settlement.[1]
Transmitting station
In 1925 the BBC built a transmitting station which initially was used for long wave, and short wave broadcasting. In 1934, the long wave service was moved to an improved transmitter station at Wychbold village near Droitwich. In the early years of the Second World War, tests were carried out using one of the short wave transmitters to carry out research work into radar.
In 1950 the BBC built a 720-foot mast at nearby Dodford for the BBC Third Programme, with a 150 kW transmitter located in a building near to the short wave transmitter building. This service closed in 1978 and the mast was removed in 1984.
Due to the nature of short wave broadcasting, large areas of Borough Hill were occupied with towers, and masts to support large antennas. Transmissions from the short wave station could be received across the world. Many engineers were employed by the BBC to work at the station and a number decided to settle in Daventry, and to this day many former BBC staff remain in Daventry.
The BBC decided to close the station and on the 28 March 1992 the last transmission took place, and the transmission equipment was moved to other BBC World Service transmitters around the country. The station became an electronic service centre for the repair of BBC transmission equipment, and a local transmitter maintenance team was also based here until the late 1990s. The station has found many uses including the training of engineers, storage of equipment, spare antennas and masts. The station is now owned by Arqiva.
The former antenna field is now open grassland allowing free public access.
Outside links
- Photos and information on transmitting station
- BBC: Daventry
- Northamptonshire Communications Club Bourough Hill Page