Nerve Centre of Empire / Connecting Cornwall / Expanding Frontiers / 1870-1918
Exciting new exhibition now open - that brings to life the fascinating lives of the staff and local people behind the technology
What is the Telegraph?
telegraph (Oxford English Dictionary definition)
noun a system or device for transmitting messages from a distance along a wire, especially one creating signals by making and breaking an electrical connection.
verb 1 send a message to by telegraph. 2 send (a message) by telegraph. 3 convey (an intentional or unconscious message) with facial expression or body language.
Porthcurno: The biggest cable station in the world
Porthcurno valley, in the far west of Cornwall, was the hub of international cable communications from 1870-1970 and a training college for the communications industry until 1993.
In WWII secret tunnels were dug by Cornish miners to house an underground building and the entire telegraph operations. These bomb proof/gas proof tunnels provided 14 secure cables out of the UK to its allies.
Research Projects
We currently have three PhD students and several academic researchers involved in researching in the archives on several projects.
Cable and Wireless has employed thousands in the communications industry for generations- many coming from the same families - we hold staff records for many of the companies that now make up C&W.
News
- PK @ The Proms The Royal Albert Hall Monday 30th August 7-9pm. Also to be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. For more details click here
- NEW EXHIBITION opened 28th June 2010 Nerve Centre of Empire
- NEW EXHIBITION marking the 70 year anniversary of the building of the underground tunnels
- NEW for 2010 Gift Aid your ticket and get FREE entry for a year
- HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND EARMARKS £500,000 FOR REDEVELOPMENT AT PORTHCURNO TELEGRAPH MUSEUM
- Local History group WWII exhibition moves to the tunnels
