For many years I have operated a radio shack at Lancing College and on many occasions I have cursed the interference caused by the rather more powerful radio installation across the valley on Truleigh Hill.
That site is some 213 metres (703 feet) above sea level and offers magnificent views for miles around. It is an obvious location for a radio station but the present users were certainly not the first to spot its potential. That bungalow also generated a certain amount of curiosity. It sits in a perfect location with magnificent views but what is its purpose? A more utilitarian structure would be expected under normal circumstance and, certainly, no-one would want to live in the middle of an “aerial farm”.
As annoyance gave way to curiosity I decided to find out more about Truleigh Hill and, eventually, to write a history. This is the third draft for the final essay and what follows still undoubtedly contains many inaccuracies and omissions so comments concerning these will be more than welcome.
The secrecy that surrounded the site for most of its operational life means that little official information is readily available and many rumours about the site grew up around the local area. Stories such as those of underground workings large enough to permit vehicles to be driven in and of secret transports carrying strange equipment abound, often growing more elaborate because of the secrecy surrounding much of the site. The truth is no less interesting for all that.
What is obviously true is that Truleigh Hill played an important part in the defence of this country from the late 1930s until its sale to a private buyer 1965. Since then it has continued to play its part in our local defence acting, as it does, as a home for Police, Ambulance and Fire Service communications as well as those of some private organisations.
WARNING The site is a dangerous place to be. The very high voltages associated with the equipment used are lethal. There are also deep holes in places around the compounds and not all of them are clearly marked. The fences are designed to keep the public safe, and at a safe distance. Entry should not be attempted except with the permission of the operators.
Please note that all the material, photographs and text, is copyright property of the author except for those few items marked otherwise. Anyone wishing to make use of this material for educational or personal purposes is welcome to do so, free of charge, provided the copyright is acknowledged.
