Birthplace of TV in the UK honoured with special plaque

Ally Pally is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks (Picture: Getty Images) Alexandra Palace has been awarded world origin site status as the birthplace of broadcast television in the UK. November marks 90 years since the British Broadcasting Corporation – now better known as the BBC – made its first televised broadcast from the hilltop landmark, making it the first regular public high-definition television service in the world. On that day, Leslie Mitchell addressed audiences in their homes with the now-famous words: ‘This is direct television from the studios at Alexandra Palace.’ On November 2, a plaque commemorating the milestone was unveiled in Ally Pally’s east court. A series of events titled ‘BBC TV 90 at Ally Pally’ has already begun at the entertainment and sports venue this autumn. This includes screenings, talks and performances celebrating the pioneering spirit that made the historic site what it is and transformed broadcasting forever. The BBC tower from below (Picture: Getty Images) Kirsten Forrest, curatorial and interpretation manager at Alexandra Palace, said: ‘Receiving the world origin site plaque is a wonderful recognition of Alexandra Palace’s place in broadcasting history. ‘What began here in 1936 went on to change the way people across the world experience news, entertainment and culture. ‘It’s an extraordinary part of our history, and the plaque helps keep that story alive and at the forefront of the cultural conversation.’ Matt Brittin, BBC Director-General, said in a post on LinkedIn: ‘Innovation to serve audiences defined the BBC from the start. ‘We must tap into that pioneering spirit to re-imagine the BBC for the future.’ Today, the venue is run by a charity and hosts a range of theatre performances, gigs and sporting events. Latest London news Busy London Tube station could close for a year to fix failing escalators New Pokémon store to open in London and it's permanent this time London's 'most useless' Tube…