Anthorn

Anthorn is a coastal area and former Royal Naval Radio Station in Cumbria, England, located near the Solway Firth. The station, originally known as HMS Nuthatch, operated from 1918 until its decommissioning in 2021. For much of its history, Anthorn transmitted time signals and navigational warnings, primarily for maritime users and other systems that required accurate time synchronization.

History:

Construction of the radio station began during World War I. After the war, it evolved to serve a variety of broadcasting roles. Its primary function became the transmission of time signals, initially using Morse code and later specialized formats such as MSF. Anthorn also played a role in maritime communications and navigational alerts.

Functionality:

The station transmitted time signals on a variety of frequencies. Its signals were used by devices worldwide to set accurate time, including clocks, navigation systems, and scientific instruments. The MSF signal, transmitted on 60 kHz, was a key component of this service for many years. The station was responsible for maintaining a highly accurate time signal, synchronized with international standards.

Decommissioning:

In 2021, the Anthorn radio station was decommissioned. The functions previously performed by Anthorn have been transferred to other sites and technologies. The site itself has been repurposed.

Significance:

For over a century, Anthorn played a crucial role in time dissemination and maritime navigation. Its time signals were essential for a wide range of applications, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of global systems. The decommissioning of the station marked a significant shift in the way time signals are distributed, reflecting advancements in technology and infrastructure.