Marconi History Walk Goes Virtual

Former Marconi Company engineer and local historian Alan Pamphilon is an expert on Chelmsford’s role in the birth of British broadcasting. His incredibly popular City History Walks now include a virtual walking tour from Marconi’s first factory in Hall Street to the second premises at New Street, helping to bring the pioneering company’s ground-breaking work to life.


Despite the necessary cancellation of Alan’s planned special Marconi Walks for Essex 2020 his passion for Chelmsford’s pioneering past has been undiminished.

We are pleased to present Alan’s ‘virtual’ history walk. It’s packed with fascinating facts. Keep an eye on the calendar for special events in September from Alan to mark Heritage Open Days.

This ‘virtual walk’ will take you on a tour from the first Marconi factory at Hall Street to the second at New Street. It features how the centre of Chelmsford looked during those early Marconi Company days. The presentation and commentary covers how the people of Chelmsford played a key part in the early days of the evolution of this once great company.

As this video was generated using digital technology and will be made available over the internet, this is a very fitting tribute to the Father of Wireless and the birthplace of the electronic age.



Historian Tim Wander has kindly provided some short silent video clips (courtesy of Chelmsford Museum). Both were filmed at New Street in 1934.

Melba pioneer W T Ditcham filmed at New Street in 1934. Copyright Chelmsford Museum.
New Street exterior. Copyright Chelmsford Museum.

In case you missed them! Alan also features in our two special Marconi Centenary Celebration podcasts.