This photograph is taken from Lilbourne Road. It not only shows most of the 820ft masts from Rugby Radio Station but also the early High Frequency directional (or beam) aerials between the last two big masts on the right. The Station became operational on 1 January 1926, with its GBR transmitter - then the most powerful radio transmitter in the world - sending news broadcasts and telegrams across the globe.

The photograph was taken by Rodney Huntingford (1906-2003), who owned Redding Photographer’s studio and business in Church Street, Rugby. The core business was portraiture and weddings, and he also took photographs for local businesses and schools. 
This particular image was taken for the front cover Rural Rugby District Guide in the late 1960s. The radio masts were an important local landmark, and along with being used on the cover of this guide they also formed part of the emblem for the former Rural Rugby District Council as seen in the chairman’s badge which we currently have on loan from the Mayor’s Parlour. 

The photograph, guide and badge are on display as part of the latest local history exhibition – ‘100 years of Rugby Radio’ marking the centenary of the radio station.  RugOn now until Saturday 3rd October.