Telecommunication in Newquay
Before the arrival of the telephone, the telegraph was the main method of long-distance communication. In the 1860s, the Newquay and Wadebridge Telegraph Company had improved local connections. Cornwall would play an important role internationally with Porthcurno becoming a major telegraph station in 1870 following the laying of sub-sea cables.
One notable local figure was Alfred E. Julian from St Columb, who worked as a messenger for the telegraph company (later under the post office until 1872). Julian was later inspired to build his own telephone wooden instruments using mahogany. He turned and hollowed the cases on a lathe, fitted them with brass screws and magnets, and connected them with 150 yards of telegraph wire.
![National Telephone Company [1881-1911]](https://newquaymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NationalTelephoneCompany-1881-1911.jpg "National Telephone Company [1881-1911]")
The national telephone company established itself in Newquay in December 1898, with its first exchange at 2 Cheltenham Place. Subscription fees were high which was not pleasing for local businesses who were keen in having a telephone. Early users included wine merchant W. Huxtable (number 4) and William Michell of Morfa Hall (number 5).
Businesses such as T. Jacka Grocers and Endberry Stores offered a public kiosk, while hotels like the Victoria and the Headland had full telephone systems installed by 1900. By 1910 almost 100 local businesses were listed in the telephone directory.
However, by 1912 the General Post Office took over the national telephone company following the Telephone Transfer Act of 1911. A new Post Office building on Bank Street (designed by John Ennor) was opened to manage growing demand for postal and telephone services.
In October 1938 Newquay switched to an automatic exchange, one of the first in Cornwall, located on Hillgrove Road. The modern facility could initially support 600 subscribers with room to expand to 1400. It allowed direct dialling without operator assistance and connected Newquay to surrounding towns including Crantock, St Mawgan and St Austell. The exchange featured modern equipment and its opening was welcomed by local councillors who believed it would support tourism and economic growth.
Public telephone boxes were also introduced throughout Newquay in locations such as Porth, Gover Lane, Pentire and St Columb Minor. The traditional red boxes, including the K1 and K6 models became familiar landmarks, many later replaced by the KX model. Since then most telephone boxes have been removed as the use of mobile phones became far more common.
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