Somerton TARDIS facts for kids
The Somerton TARDIS is a special blue police box located on Acacia Avenue in the Somerton area of Newport, South Wales. This police box is the only one left out of four that once stood in Newport. It is so important that it is a Grade II listed building, meaning it's protected because of its historical value.
Police boxes were used across the UK a long time ago. They were like mini police stations where officers and the public could make calls. Before everyone had mobile phones, these boxes were vital for contacting the local police station. Inside, a police officer could find a small office. The Somerton box even has a lamp on top that would flash to show an incoming call. The first police boxes appeared in 1888. The famous 'TARDIS' shape we know today started in 1929. By 1969, police stopped using these boxes because they had new personal radios.
This police box became known as the TARDIS in Newport. This is a fun reference to the TV show Doctor Who. In the show, the Doctor's time machine looks like a police box because its "chameleon circuit" is stuck.
Contents
What is the Somerton TARDIS?
The Somerton TARDIS is a unique landmark in Newport. It stands on Acacia Avenue, right next to the B4237 road. This old police box is a reminder of how police used to work. It is also a beloved local feature.
The History of Police Boxes
Long ago, police boxes were very important. They helped police officers stay in touch while on patrol. People could also use them to call for help. Each box was a small, secure place for police work. The Somerton box has a light that would flash when a call came in. This was a clever way to get an officer's attention.
Why is it Called a TARDIS?
The nickname "TARDIS" comes from the popular TV series Doctor Who. In the show, the Doctor travels through time and space in a machine called the TARDIS. This machine usually looks like a blue police box. The Somerton police box looks just like the one from the show. This is why locals gave it its famous nickname.
A Colorful Makeover
During the 1980s, local people added a fun touch to the box. They painted a long, multi-colored scarf onto its blue walls. This scarf was like the one worn by the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who. The actor Tom Baker played this Doctor from 1974 to 1981. This artwork made the Somerton TARDIS even more special.
Saving a Piece of History
Early police boxes were made of wood. However, the Somerton box was built from concrete. Over many years, the concrete started to wear down. This problem is sometimes called "concrete cancer." In January 2010, a group called Cadw gave £10,500 to fix it. Cadw helps protect important buildings in Wales. This grant showed how important the Somerton TARDIS is as a local landmark. It is still a Grade II listed structure today.
