The Purbeck Radar Reference Library is a collection of books and other material relating to the early development of radar. It is housed at the Swanage Museum Local Studies Centre and is available to the public by appointment only. 

The reference library comprises a 'top twenty' publications - follow the link for a list of books in the library.  Many were written by radar scientists who worked in Purbeck.

You can access the collection by making an appointment with the Swanage Museum: 
    tel: 01929 421427 e-mail - see museum website:
    web: www.swanagemuseum.co.uk 
    Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre
    The Square, Swanage BH19 2LJ 
While there is no formal charge to access the library, donations are encouraged to help maintain and extend the collection.

The collection was assembled by the Purbeck Radar Museum Trust and is made available through the Swanage Museum.  Donations are welcomed by the Trust - either of money or of materials relating either to early radar or to the people involved (documents, photos, artefacts, etc.).  To get in touch with us, see our contact page. 

Background

Over the years, the significance of radar in World War II has often been overlooked by our national institutions. This reference library makes a small attempt to redress this balance by bringing together a collection of key publications under one roof - a ‘one stop shop’ for information on early radar. 

Purbeck, (in Dorset, UK) was the nerve centre for the radar development from 1940 to 1942.  The most significant innovations were probably made during this time in Purbeck, and these set the foundations for what was achieved during the remainder of the war.  It is therefore appropriate that Purbeck should hold a publicly available record of this significant era in the history of both Purbeck and the UK.

The library will be of interest to anyone with a keen interest in Purbeck’s local history or in Britain’s wartime radar. It is available to both local residents and visitors who can find out more about Britain’s wartime heritage - while at the same time enjoying the stunning Purbeck countryside.