Jodrell Bank given Unesco World Heritage status

Jodrell Bank in Cheshire has been named a Unesco World Heritage site.

The Cheshire observatory, which is owned by the University of Manchester, has been at the forefront of astronomical research for decades.

The coveted listing recognises Jodrell Bank’s role in transforming our understanding of the universe and it will also “make sure that this remarkable site will continue to inspire young scientists and astronomers all over the world”, Heritage minister Rebecca Pow said.

Jodrell Bank is the home of the Lovell Telescope, the world’s third largest steerable radio telescope.

It joins historic international sites such as Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal on the Unesco heritage list.