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Lizard Wireless Station
- Published:
- 11 February 2024
In 1900 the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi undertook ground-breaking wireless experiments on The Lizard. You can see how with determination and vision, he developed technology on these remote Cornish clifftops that paved the way for today’s instant worldwide communication.
Lizard Wireless Station
Open Monday - Thursday, 12 - 3pm, 1 April - 30 September.
In January 1901, in simple wooden huts, Marconi received a transmission from the Isle of Wight over 180 miles away, proving that radio would work over the horizon – something that many scientists thought impossible. Having two radio stations just six miles apart (one at the Lizard Wireless Station, the other near Poldhu) gave Marconi the perfect opportunity to work on tuning and interference.
Marconi was quick to develop the commercial potential of radio. Lizard Wireless Station was one of a dozen coastal UK stations which handled ship-to-shore messages, for a fee. It was the first coastal radio station to receive an SOS call when in 1910 the Minnehaha, aground off the Isles of Scilly, radioed for help.
The famed “Father of Radio”, he received the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in wireless communication.
The radio station has been restored to how it would have looked in Marconi’s day and visitors of all ages are welcome to get hands on with the technology inside. One of the two huts, with a dramatic view across Housel Bay, is now a National Trust holiday cottage.
The Marconi Centre at Poldhu, famous for the first transatlantic radio signal, is run by Poldu Amaetur Radio Club.
Access to the wireless station is either a mile east along the coast path from Lizard Point or inland a mile from Lizard Village along Beacon Terrace & Lloyds Lane.
Booking a school visit
As the building itself is quite small and we rely on a team of dedicated volunteers, we ask that you book in advance if you wish to bring a school group to the Lizard Wireless Station. Please be aware we are open 1 April - 30 September but can be flexible on times for a group booking.
To book a school visit, please call 01326 222170 or email lizard@nationaltrust.org.uk