Signals and Sightlines: BT Tower

Walk preview

1. Step 1: Signals and Sightlines introduction by London National Park City Ranger Jordan Rowe and cultural historian Dr David Anderson.

2. Step 2: Opened in 1965, the General Post Office (GPO) Tower - as it was first known - relied on clear, uninterrupted microwave paths routed through a network of repeater stations in suburban London and the home counties.

3. 

   Step 3: This formed part of a national network [Diagram of strategic microwave network from ‘The Post Office Tower’ (GPO, 1965)]

4. Step 4: Tall buildings within these corridors risked causing signal loss, which meant the tower inadvertently acted as a brake on overdevelopment in Fitzrovia, shaping both the skyline and formation of public squares and parks.

5. 

   Step 5: It’s a great example of how our built environment entangles with our natural world, even in highly urbanised surroundings.

6. Step 6: Listen to the clips for more detailed insight, pick up a route leaflet from local venues, or search ‘Signals and Sightlines’ on the London National Park City website.