Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower
The only complete Chain Home radar tower in the UK, a towering symbol of WWII air defence and Cold War innovation in Great Baddow.
The Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower is a 110-metre (360-foot) tall galvanized steel transmitter tower originally built in 1937 at RAF Canewdon, Essex. It played a crucial role in the UK’s early warning radar network during World War II, particularly in the Battle of Britain. Relocated to Great Baddow in 1956, it remains the only complete Chain Home radar tower surviving in the British Isles, now used by BAE Systems and mobile phone companies.
A brief summary to Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower
- Advanced Technology Centre, Chelmsford, Great Baddow, CM2 8HN, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- View the tower from Great Baddow Lawn Cemetery for the best unobstructed sightlines.
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the tower’s imposing height and structure.
- Learn about the Chain Home radar system’s role in the Battle of Britain to enrich your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Chelmsford city center to Great Baddow; the journey typically takes 15-25 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for weekend and evening services. From the bus stop, the tower is a short walk across to the Advanced Technology Centre area.
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Car
Driving from Chelmsford, the tower is accessible within 10-15 minutes via local roads. Parking is limited near the Advanced Technology Centre, so plan accordingly. The area is best visited during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Chelmsford railway station to Great Baddow takes approximately 10 minutes. This option offers convenience and direct access but is more costly, typically costing around £10-£15.
Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower
Origins and Wartime Significance
Constructed in 1937, the Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower was initially erected at RAF Canewdon in south-east Essex as part of the pioneering Chain Home radar network. This network was the world’s first operational early warning radar system, designed to detect incoming German aircraft over the North Sea and English Channel. The tower’s transmitter technology was instrumental in providing the Royal Air Force with critical advance notice of Luftwaffe attacks, playing a decisive role in the Battle of Britain and the defence of London. Chain Home stations like Canewdon formed a vital part of Britain's air defence, enabling fighter aircraft to intercept enemy bombers effectively despite being outnumbered in the skies.Relocation and Cold War Role
In 1956, the tower was dismantled and re-erected at Great Baddow on the site of the Marconi Research Centre, which later became part of BAE Systems. The relocation allowed the tower to continue its legacy in radar development, particularly contributing to Cold War defence research. It supported advancements such as the radio guidance system for the British Blue Streak intercontinental ballistic missile. Today, the tower remains in use by BAE Systems and mobile phone companies, symbolizing decades of technological evolution from wartime radar to modern communications.Architectural and Technical Features
The tower stands approximately 110 metres (360 feet) tall and is constructed from galvanized steel. It features six cantilevered platforms at various heights, originally designed for transmitter aerials and observation. The platforms have a mix of timber and steel mesh flooring, with metal access ladders added later. This robust design was typical of Chain Home transmitter towers, built to support powerful radio transmitters and withstand the elements. As the only complete Chain Home transmitter tower surviving in the UK, it offers a rare physical link to early radar technology and military history.Historical Context and Legacy
Radar technology was developed in secret during the 1930s, with key contributions from scientists like Watson-Watt and Tizard. The Chain Home system was a groundbreaking innovation that gave Britain a strategic advantage during World War II by detecting enemy aircraft at long range. While many Chain Home towers were dismantled after the war, the Great Baddow tower’s preservation and continued use highlight its enduring importance. It stands as a monument not only to technological progress but also to the men and women whose efforts helped secure Britain’s skies.Location and Viewing
Situated at the Advanced Technology Centre in Great Baddow, Chelmsford, the tower is a prominent landmark visible for miles around, surpassing even church spires in local visibility. It is best viewed from the Great Baddow Lawn Cemetery opposite the site. Though not marked on some maps, the tower’s distinctive silhouette dominates the landscape, serving as a reminder of the region’s contribution to radar history and national defence.Preservation and Recognition
The tower has been granted Grade II listed status, recognizing its architectural and historic significance. It is one of only five Chain Home masts remaining in the UK and the sole complete transmitter tower. This protected status ensures the tower’s conservation as a heritage landmark and educational resource, preserving the story of early radar technology and its impact on modern warfare and communications.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The only complete Chain Home radar tower in the UK, a towering symbol of WWII air defence and Cold War innovation in Great Baddow.
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Location Audience
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