1950 August 27 Television is transmitted across the English Channel for the first time, on the centenary of the laying of a submarine cable between England and France.
In London, signals are received by a microwave aerial on the roof of Senate House of the University of London in Malet Street.
The centrepiece of the evening transmission included a torchlight procession, fireworks display and dancing in the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville in Calais. Commentary on events is given by Richard Dimbleby (below) and Alan Adair.
Page updated 26 August 2008 |