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Washford transmitting station is a medium wave broadcasting station and low-power digital terrestrial television relay near Washford, Somerset.
 Washford transmitting station masts | |
  Washford  Mendip | |
| Location | Washford, Somerset |
|---|---|
| Mast height | 152 metres (499 ft) (MW) 45.7 metres (150 ft) (UHF) |
| Coordinates | 51°09′38″N 3°20′55″W |
| Grid reference | ST058410 |
| Built | 1933 |
| Relay of | Mendip |
| BBC region | BBC West |
| ITV region | ITV West Country |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | Washford Transmitting Station |
| Designated | 25 January 1984 |
| Reference no. | 1057461 |
A smaller 45.7 metres (150 ft) mast is used to relay digital terrestrial television services from the Mendip transmitting station. This mast carries the three public service multiplexes at an E.R.P. of 12.4 W.
The front portions of the old transmitter building are now part of the Tropiquaria wildlife park and house their tropical hall, aquarium, and nocturnal house.[1] The majority of the old building became surplus to the BBC's requirements in 1981 when new, smaller equipment was installed in a separate building to the rear. Two schemes subsequently failed to materialise for the old building: one to transform it into a public swimming pool and another to replace it with a Little Chef restaurant. In 1987, a £100,000 scheme to transform the site into an aquarium and reptile house was proposed by the consortium Ark Enterprises Ltd, headed by Stephen Smith. Both a 21-year lease on the building and planning permission were acquired in 1987,[2] and Tropiquaria opened in 1989.[3]
The transmitter building is a Grade II listed building.[4]
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It was built in 1933[5] and uses as antenna a T-antenna between two 152 metres (499 ft) tall guyed masts separated by a distance of 159 metres (174 yards). Originally the station used cage antennas around each mast. The station uses the frequencies 882 kHz with 100 kW, and 1089 kHz with 50 kW
It was also known as Watchet.[6] It would be near Washford Cross. The BBC West region was in Cardiff.[7]
It cost £150,000.[8]
Construction
On Friday 10 June 1932 a 50 ft girder collapsed and three men were crushed, Joe Willie Rowbottom, a rigger, died in hospital at 7pm on Saturday 11 June 1932. The other injured men were Leonard Bruce and Benjamin Bryne.[9]
Transmission
Transmission tests would begin on Monday 24 April 1933.[10] The West Regional transmitter opened on 9 May 1933.[11][12] Transmission tests on the national programme started on Monday 17 July 1933.
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Analogue radio (AM medium wave)
| Frequency | kW | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 882 kHz | 100 | BBC Radio Wales |
| 1089 kHz | 50 | Talksport |
Digital television
Digital television began transmitting from Washford during the digital switchover in 2010. As a low-power relay, it only carries the three public service multiplexes.
Analogue television
Analogue television was transmitted from Washford until the digital switchover of the Mendip transmitter group between 24 March - 7 April 2010.
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