Interesting facts about UK phones, telecoms and telephone numbers
The first phone book was published in the UK in 1880, and the first name listed in it was John Adam & Co, 11 Pudding Lane, City of London. However, unlike the modern phone book, no phone numbers were included, just addresses. If you wanted to phone somebody, you had to phone the operator and ask to speak to the person by name.
L M Ericsson created the first telephone handset – a combination of the separate transmitter and receiver.
700 passengers were rescued when the Titanic sank on 15th April 1912 because of a call made by wireless telegraphy.
The famous landmark red telephone boxes, which are an iconic part of the British landscape, were launched as Kiosk No. 6 or K6 in 1936. Known as the "Jubilee Kiosk" they were introduced to commemorate King George V's Silver Jubilee. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, it was the first telephone kiosk to be installed across the UK. Over 8000 kiosks were introduced as part of the celebrations.
The Speaking Clock, which was originally only available in London, was introduced in 1936. Miss Jane Cain won the first Post Office competition to become the voice of the first speaking clock. Her voice was used until 1963 when she was replaced by Pat Simmons. In 1985, Brian Cobby became the first male voice to be the speaking clock. He was replaced in 2007 by Sara Mendes de Costa. These have been the only 4 permanent holders of the role.
999 was introduced in 1937 as an emergency number, and subsequently rolled out across the rest of the country. 100 became the number for the operator in 1959.
999 was introduced in 1937 as an emergency number, and subsequently rolled out across the rest of the country. 100 became the number for the operator in 1959.
BT made it possible to rent a phoneline from them in 1985 without having to rent a phone from them as well for the first time.
In 1992, Britain's 100,000th BT payphone was installed, at Dunsop Bridge near Clitheroe in Lancashire. This is the closest village to the centre of Great Britain. It is still there if you want to go and see it, and is situated in the beautiful Forest of Bowland – a spectacular place for a family visit.