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The Howling Terror Mystery

In 1900 a megaphone hurled a human voice over the South Downs, terrifying locals. Alan Dein tells the strange story. From 2005.

In July 1900, at a scenic spot near Brighton known as Devil's Dyke, an enormous megaphone sent a human voice hurtling across the South Downs.

In an era before electronic amplification or radio, this new invention fascinated and terrified local people.

Its ability to project sound over miles and miles verged on the mythical. The newspapers labelled it "The Howling Terror" and prophesied that its diabolical broadcasts would dominate the forthcoming 20th century.

And yet today the Howling Terror is forgotten.

Alan Dein resurrects its strange story.

Producer: Matthew Dodd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 5 Jul 202202:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Thu 23 Sep 201014:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Sat 23 Feb 201307:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 12 Jan 201806:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 12 Jan 201813:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 12 Jan 201820:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 13 Jan 201801:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 4 Jul 202214:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 5 Jul 202202:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra