by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:29th March 2022
Romney’s ‘Listening Ears’
Just when I thought Romney’s extraordinary and diverse landscape in Kent couldn’t become any more bizarre, we then explored the three acoustic sound mirrors on a remote island at Greatstone Lakes.
The enormous listening ears are located in the extraordinary region of Romney Marsh, which is often referred to as ‘The Fifth Continent’. Due to its sparse wetlands, remote churches, grazing sheep, and miles of meandering waterways.
The sound mirrors are nestled between the pebbly Kent shores of Greatstone on the coastline of the English Channel and the tiny airport at Lydd. You can admire the sound mirrors at a distance from a footpath opposite the island; however, it’s much more fun observing the magnitude of these concrete structures face-to-face. They are magnificent to see.
Why not Pin it for later?
The RSPB manages the land on which the mirrors sit, and they organise open days throughout the year. Take a peek at the upcoming year’s dates, which are bookable online with the RSPB.
Where are the Sound Mirrors?
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A little history behind the sound detectors
Listening out for the enemyTrials were taking place during WWI to develop early warning listening systems that would detect incoming enemy aircraft. The first of these devices were ‘listening wells’, which were incredibly primitive as they were located below ground, and men would be confined to the deep shafts.
All Three - Just
The second was ‘listening discs’, located horizontally above ground. The microphones were placed at the centre of the disc. Due to Romney Marsh’s low-lying landscape, a series of discs were installed in 1924.
During this time, experiments were also taking place with sound detectors shaped like trumpets and mirrors. This led to the first Greatstone sound mirrors being installed on the island within Greatstone Lakes.
Sound Mirrors at Denge
First arriving in 1928As you stroll closer and closer to the three sound mirrors, the imposing magnitude of them really is astounding. And on a grey March Sunday morning, the bleakness of the surroundings brings out the raw and brutal starkness of these rudimentary structures.
The small sound mirror
The first concrete’ big ear’ to be constructed at Greatstone was in 1928. A sister sound mirror was built at the same time at Abbots Cliff just outside Dover by Capel-le-Ferne. Nearby the Abbots Cliff sound mirror, you’ll find the Battle of Britain Memorial, which is an incredible place to visit.
This preliminary curved acoustic mirror was 20 feet (6 metres) in diameter and was formed from one huge piece of concrete. It looked so elementary; however, the results emanating from the ‘ears’ were proving fundamental.
The listening mirrors worked by absorbing sound waves towards the curved central point. A microphone was located in the centre and would have detected the noise emitting from an enemy aircraft. Resulting in hearing the engine of the aeroplane before seeing it.
The side of the small one
An experienced, trained operator would be positioned near the acoustic mirror. Using a stethoscope would identify the approaching sounds. It was a highly intense role, and operators would only be able to listen for around 30/40 minutes on a single shift.
Where to stay nearby the Sound Mirrors
- Coastguard Lookout - For that little indulgence and remote, tranquil overnight stay, take a look at the converted ‘Coastguard Lookout’.
- Romney Bay House Hotel - This charming hotel is located along a private stretch of the Romney Marsh coastline. Offering sea views, free parking and an on-site restaurant.
- Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa & Golf - This charming 4-star Victorian hotel nestled within 44-acres of land with views across the English Channel. It offers spacious rooms and spa facilities.
The Acoustic Mirrors kept growing
From 30ft diameter to 200 ft in lengthHot on the heels of Greatstone’s first mirror came its replacement 30-foot diameter (9 metres) sound mirror in 1930. Lessons were quickly learnt from its predecessor, and the new mirror had a deeper bowl. It was positioned at a slightly different angle.
The larger circular sound mirror
This ‘ear’ is a lot chunkier in comparison and provided greater accuracy in detecting the oncoming aircraft for the operators.
Later in the same year the third and most commanding listening mirror was erected. The 200 feet (60 metre) near vertical mirror is astounding and has such presence, standing at 26 feet tall. Just like the other two sound mirrors, it was precast by using a single piece of concrete.
The big round one
A two-storey listening station was constructed nearby to gather as much information as possible from the latest acoustic mirror. The microphones which were attached to the curved surfaces were closely monitored. Sound waves were reported from aircraft up to 24 miles away in optimal conditions.
The large sound mirror
Experiments continued until 1936, and in 1937 the 200ft Sound Mirror at Greatstone was closed. This design of the acoustic mirror is believed to be only one of two in the world; the other is in Malta.
The hours and hours of experiments that were undertaken using these sound mirrors quickly became obsolete. The invention of radar in 1932 meant these extraordinary relics were left to decay and were abandoned to history.
The rear of the large one
In 1939 instructions were given for the mirrors to be destroyed, but luckily for us, they weren’t, and we now have the pleasure of visiting them and remembering a moment in time.
A local expert on the sound mirrors and publisher of the ‘Echoes from the Sky’ book hosted talks on this extraordinary site by the 200ft curved wall; it was fascinating.
Map, guides and more
If you fancy discovering the surrounding footpaths and bridleways around Romney Marsh, head to the Ordnance Survey website. The local OS Map covering the region is no. 125, ‘Romney Marsh, Rye & Winchelsea’.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
Arriving at the Sound Mirrors
Useful informationDue to the location of the Denge Sound Mirrors on the Kent coast, I would suspect that most of you will arrive by car. The sound mirrors are situated on a remote island; therefore, the nearest car park is 1.1 miles away.
Although you are encouraged to use the local car parks, the spaces are limited, and there is street side parking along Leonard Road, the approach to the sound mirrors.
Listening in
A fun way to arrive would be on the miniature Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. You can catch it from Hythe further north along the coast and jump off at ‘Romney Sands Station. It’s then just a 10-minute walk to the mirrors.
Additionally, be aware that the event may be unsuitable for disabled access. There is quite a bit of loose shingle to walk upon, and there is a very narrow bridge to cross onto the island. This, in my opinion, is unsuitable for wheelchairs, electric scooters, and pushchairs.
If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Exploring the surreal landscape of Dungeness
Venturing on a Romney Marsh road tripNearby the ‘Listening Mirrors’ is the untamed and surreal landscape of Dungeness. Dungeness is located within a private estate on a shingle headland; however, you are free to visit as you wish.
It is a fascinating place to explore and there are so many quirky features to discover. With its numerous lighthouses, a Nuclear Power Station which is still operation, and the end-of-the-line station for the heritage Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway.
Though my favourite aspect of Dungeness is the captivating shingle coastline. All along the shore are boats in various states of wear and tear, from the working trawlers to the abandoned and rusting fishing machinery.
The old lighthouse at Dungeness
If you love this region of Kent as much as we do, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Romney Marsh road trip itinerary that we have put together.
The 45-mile circular journey starts from Hythe a little further north around the coast. We then venture through Dymchurch, New Romney, Dungeness, Lydd, Old Romney, Appledore and pass by many historical churches dotted around the remote marshlands.
Travelling through delightful villages and even the Port Lympne Reserve prior to meandering back to Hythe.
The St Thomas Becket Church, Fairfield, Romney Marsh
Our video of the Sound Mirrors
We have created a little YouTube video of our visit to the Sound Mirrors at Denge. Why not take a look?
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Our other Kent road trips
If you’ve fallen in love with the county of Kent, we’ve created a few road trips around the “Garden of England” that we believe you will enjoy.
If you don't have access to a car, then why not check out Rental Cars? They will search well-known car hire brands and discover the deals that suit you the best.
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