Coastal Watch Mirror 2025

A rare acoustic mirror, which was erected during World War One to detect German Zeppelins as they approached the coast.

Contacts

Address: off Newcastle Road Fulwell Sunderland Tyne & Wear SR5 1QE

Website: View website

Open Days & Times

Access at all times. Visit website for more details.

Travel

By Rail: Seaburn / 200 yards

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The mirror was built during WW1 in 1917, and was invented by Major William Sansome Tucker.

Development of the acoustic mirror continued until the mid-1930s when radar made them redundant. The acoustic mirror detected sound from German Zeppelins, giving a 15 minute warning that the Germans were on their way. A microphone would have been positioned on the plinth in front of the mirror and an operator hiding in a nearby trench would have heard the sound of the Zeppelins through headphones.

There are only 10 left in the country, mainly in Kent and along the North East Coast.