Quote:
Originally Posted by OscarFoxtrot
Quote:
Originally Posted by AC/HL
I would think that messaging was by hand before a telephone system was installed in modern times.
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The Duke of Edinburgh (being an ex-Navy man) was apparently rather appalled when he moved into Buck House and found communication was solely by means of notes passed via footmen, and had a Dictograph intercom system installed.
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...6&postcount=14
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...e-a3f500ebab87
The BT Digital archives refer to a telephone line connecting Buckingham Palace to an NTC exchange: February 1896.
and
1911-1935: Papers relating to telephone services for Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace including question of apportionment of cost of staff and revision of charges for the operation of a private branch exchange; facilities for the superintendent, Royal Mews and the Queen's footman's room, Buckingham Palace; request by the Court postmaster for telephones 162 to replace old patterns at the Royal Mews
http://www.digitalarchives.bt.com/Ca.../Advanced.aspx (search for Buckingham Palace) |
Interesting that the Dictograph telephone is claimed to date from the 1960's/70's and to have been put in at the request of the Duke of Edinburgh!
If you look carefully, you'll see key's marked 'King, 'Queen, and 'Prince of Wales'. The only time all three were living at the same time was pre-1936 !!
The next 'Price of Wales' didn't appear until 1969 by which time the King had been long gone! - the previous Prince of Wales became King Edward the 8th in early 1936. So that doesn't description seem to be correct.
The Queen (Victoria) was 'well connected' see attached entries from an 1897 telephone directory that she appears in.
See also photos of the PMBX that served Buckingham Palace in the BT Museum store about 20 years ago. Awaiting removal to Museum of London.
Ian J