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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 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in August 2005.

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 5 Jul 2022 02:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

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  • Sat 23 Feb 2013 07:30
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  • Fri 12 Jan 2018 06:30
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  • Fri 12 Jan 2018 13:30
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  • Fri 12 Jan 2018 20:30
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  • Sat 13 Jan 2018 01:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 4 Jul 2022 14:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 5 Jul 2022 02:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra