Broadcasting House in 1991
(Picture: The Historic England Archive)An interactive map has highlighted famous London locations which have shaped the BBC to mark the broadcaster’s centenary.
The project, which launched on Thursday, highlights some of the lesser-known places across the country which have defined the BBC, including the Camberwell home of the BBC’s first black woman broadcaster, Una Marson, and Chiltern Street Fire Station, where the broadcaster’s first female war correspondent, Audrey Russell, worked.
The list, compiled by Historic England along with partner agencies in Scotland and Northern Ireland, considers four key themes — programmes that bring us together, iconic broadcasting buildings, innovative technology and the people behind the places.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “This is a great opportunity to discover the influential BBC buildings and places on your doorstep.
“In 100 years, the BBC invented and then transformed the broadcast landscape; keeping us up to date with the latest news and making us laugh and cry with their comedy and drama programmes.
“It’s fascinating to see how, all over the UK, the history of the BBC exists in our historic buildings and sites.”
Other featured locations in the capital include the BBC’s Maida Vale studios where rock, pop and classical music have been recorded since the Thirties and Anchor Terrace in Borough, which provided the home of the young law graduates at the centre of cult Nineties drama This Life.
Locations surrounding London also make the cut, including the gates of St Alban’s Prison in Hertfordshire, which features in every episode of BBC classic Porridge, and Ingatestone Hall in Essex, which was used as Bleak House in the BBC’s Dickens adaptation in 2005.
Further afield, the colourful houses of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, which inspired those in Balamory, are featured, as is an iconic blue police box in Glasgow which inspired Doctor Who’s Tardis.
Heritage minister Lord Kamall said: “From the world's first radio factory in Chelmsford to the Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom in Blackpool, the BBC has played a central role in broadcasting and our national life over the past 100 years.
“It's brilliant to see the many locations that played a role in the BBC's heritage recognised and celebrated on this map, while helping people learn more about their local history."
The map can be explored here.
