please empty your brain below
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We stumbled on the path to the Chatley Heath tower while exploring back roads around Cobham. It was a great find, nice walking and good views when the trees aren't too leafy. I hadn't given any thought to the other stations, so thanks for this.
By the way, M25 Jct 10 is the A3 interchange.
dg writes: Updated, thanks.
RosemaryT | 18.02.19 - 7:22 a.m. | #
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Unless there was a timetable for sending messages ('on the hour, every hour', for example),the semaphore system would have needed teams of 'smart-eyed operators' organised in shifts throughout the daylight hours just in case a message was required to be sent to Portsmouth.
It all seems very labour-intensive.
RayL | 18.02.19 - 8:09 a.m. | #
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As I recall, the plot of `The Count of Monte Cristo' (the 1844 book, not any of the films) hinges on the alteration of a telegraph message at one point along the line between a seaport and Paris. The false message brings about the financial downfall of one of the hero's enemies. An early example of fake news?
jack hopkins | 18.02.19 - 8:41 a.m. | #
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What about Telegraph Hill in New Cross? I thought that was the station just before the Admiralty.
dg writes: That was the second station on the route to Deal, not Portsmouth.
Graeme | 18.02.19 - 8:43 a.m. | #
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A great read. But how things have changed with the development of technology. Just imagine how long it would take for DG's blog to reach a reader in Portsmouth (or Plymouth).
We do rather take communication technology for granted these days.
Petras409 | 18.02.19 - 8:59 a.m. | #
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If anyone wants more information on the Admiralty semaphore system (and its predecessor the shutter system) there was an excellent book The Old Telegraphs by Geoffrey Wilson published in 1976 full of information, drawings, and photographs.
Andy H | 18.02.19 - 9:13 a.m. | #
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...another delightful read. i think we often look back at the past as an escape from the present, especially when the future looks gloomy
Grumpy Anon | 18.02.19 - 9:30 a.m. | #
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All messages needed to be sent in code as they were visible to all, of course.
The same system today would only need 5 relay points to connect London with Portsmouth (Canary Wharf tower, Leith Hill in Surrey, Butser Hill in Hampshire, Portsdown Hill just north of Portsmouth and Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth).
Adrian | 18.02.19 - 11:06 a.m. | #
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Fans of the late Terry Pratchett will recognise the line-of-sight telegraph system as the inspiration for the Discworld's "Clacks" network.
I have stayed at two Landmark Trust properties with operational flagpoles, and one where you can flag down passing trains at its own private halt, but to have one with working telegraph semaphore arms would be even more interesting, (even if the adjacent links in the relay have both vanished)
timbo | 18.02.19 - 11:37 a.m. | #
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Interesting post, thanks.
David | 18.02.19 - 12:49 p.m. | #
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We often have a day out in Guildford where the road up to Pewley Down passes one of the semaphore towers I believe.
Tones | 18.02.19 - 4:43 p.m. | #
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There are a number of original Chappe telegraphs surviving near where I now live in the Loire Valley, including a couple still in line of sight (using a telescope)
SimonB | Homepage | 18.02.19 - 5:05 p.m. | #
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The former Telegraph pub on Brixton Hill was named after a nearby Windmill in what’s now Morrish Road ("Upper Mill", as opposed to the still surviving "Lower Mill") was used as an experimental prototype before the Portsmouth and Deal relays were laid out - so a reputable source says.
NickW | Homepage | 18.02.19 - 5:29 p.m. | #
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This would explain why there is a Telegraph Road in Deal.
Man of Kent | 18.02.19 - 5:30 p.m. | #
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a fascinating read...
XYZ | 18.02.19 - 7:28 p.m. | #
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Fascinating stuff. I came across tower number 5 at Claygate when on a walk a couple of months back. I had no idea of the signficance of the building or what it was used for. I did wonder why there was a single isolated building at the top of the hill. Thanks to you, now I know.
Jon Combe | 18.02.19 - 8:02 p.m. | #
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Spotted a chap in a yellow jacket walking near the crooked billet pub [Sw19] and thought that looks like how I imagine dg. Now I spot you were recently in the area. Tell me I wasnt close? :)
dg writes: Not even close...
Geo_rich | 18.02.19 - 10:55 p.m. | #
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The Landmark Trust have launched an appeal to fund the restoration of the Tower so that one can stay in it, albeit - as always with Landmarks - at a price. I will wing them a small donation. Others are welcome to.
landmarktrust.org.uk/semaphore-tower-appeal
David | 08.04.19 - 9:01 a.m. | #
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News today that the Landmark Trust have reached their initial fundraising target, so the Tower will be preserved. A welcome piece of good news.
David | 10.07.19 - 10:16 a.m. | #
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