skip to main content
The Royal Parks web site uses cookies. By browsing you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our cookie policy
  • Home
  • Royal Parks
  • Support
  • Media Centre
  • Careers
  • Shop
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • searchsearch
The Royal Parks menu
  • Visitor information
    • The parks after lockdown
    • Opening times and getting here
    • Visitor Centre
    • Volunteer Rangers
    • Oak Processionary Moth
    • Tick bites and Lyme Disease
    • Park regulations, legislation and policies
    • Accessibility information
    • Contact Bushy Park
  • Map of Bushy Park
  • Deer safety
  • Nature
    • Wildlife
    • Trees
    • Grasses and Wildflowers
    • Water features
    • Waterhouse Woodland Gardens
    • Conservation
  • History
    • Diana Fountain
    • Upper Lodge Water Gardens and Brew House
    • Bushy Park in World War Two
    • National Physical Laboratory
  • Food and drink
    • Pheasantry Cafe
    • Diana car park kiosk
  • Recreation
    • Upcoming events in Bushy Park
    • Bushy Park Playground
    • Sport in Bushy Park
  • Latest News
    • Sign up to the Bushy Park newsletter
    • Update on parking charge proposals
    • Weather station data
  • Donate
searchSearch
  • The Royal Parks
  • Visitor information
    arrow_drop_down
    • The parks after lockdown
    • Opening times and getting here
    • Visitor Centre
    • Volunteer Rangers
    • Oak Processionary Moth
    • Tick bites and Lyme Disease
    • Park regulations, legislation and policies
    • Accessibility information
    • Contact Bushy Park
  • Map of Bushy Park
  • Deer safety
  • Nature
    arrow_drop_down
    • Wildlife
    • Trees
    • Grasses and Wildflowers
    • Water features
    • Waterhouse Woodland Gardens
    • Conservation
  • History
    arrow_drop_down
    • Diana Fountain
    • Upper Lodge Water Gardens and Brew House
    • Bushy Park in World War Two
    • National Physical Laboratory
  • Food and drink
    arrow_drop_down
    • Pheasantry Cafe
    • Diana car park kiosk
  • Recreation
    arrow_drop_down
    • Upcoming events in Bushy Park
    • Bushy Park Playground
    • Sport in Bushy Park
  • Latest News
    arrow_drop_down
    • Sign up to the Bushy Park newsletter
    • Update on parking charge proposals
    • Weather station data
  •  
  • Donate
    • Home
    • Royal Parks
    • Support
    • Media Centre
    • Careers
    • Shop
    • About us
    • Contact us
  • Bushy Park
  • 
  • History
  • 

National Physical Laboratory

The grandest building in the park lies to the north-west of Chestnut Avenue; it was originally built in 1685 and known as Bushy House. Having been enlarged and embellished many times, it is now the prestigious National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and managed by the government.

The history of the NPL

The NPL is not open to the public, but many people and industries benefit from its work.  Established in 1900, the laboratory specialises in metrology – the study of measurement.  During World War II the inventor Barnes Wallis used NPL in the early stages of creating the ‘Bouncing Bomb’, a device that would wreak devastation in the famous Dambusters raid on Germany’s industrial heartlands.

Technological landmarks

The first accurate atomic clock was produced at NPL, and it played a valuable role in the development of computing. Alan Turing designed one of the world’s first computers – known as the ‘Automatic Computing Engine’ – while working here. The processes for data communication that underly the internet were also pioneered by NPL teams from the 1960s onwards.

Tests of electromagnetic technology are conducted at NPL, fuelling innovations like 5G and autonomous vehicles.  Its research has also contributed to ship and aircraft design, as well as radar.

Help us improve our website by providing your feedback.

Website user survey

close

search
Explore the Royal Parks
  • Hyde Park
  • Kensington Gardens
  • Richmond Park
  • Bushy Park
  • St James's Park
  • The Green Park
  • The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
  • Greenwich Park
  • Greenwich Park Revealed - Park Restoration Project
  • Brompton Cemetery
  • Victoria Tower Gardens
  • Grosvenor Square Garden
Support the parks
  • Make a donation
  • Philanthropy and major giving
  • Leave a gift in your Will 
  • Run, cycle or swim for the parks
  • Hire The LookOut, Hyde Park
  • Become a partner
  • Corporate volunteering
  • Dedications in your local park
Media Centre
  • Press Releases
  • Royal Parks News Permit
  • Filming and photography
  • Royal Parks Image Library
  • News Archive
  • Trooping the Colour media accreditation
About us
  • Who we are
  • What we do
  • Procurement
  • Partner organisations
  • Publications
  • Friends of The Royal Parks
  • Contact us
  • Modern Slavery Statement
Connect with us
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Watch our videos on YouTube
The Royal Parks

The Royal Parks is a registered charity (No. 1172042) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales no. 10016100 (VAT No. 261 4640 19)

Copyright © The Royal Parks 2016-2022 | Head Office: The Old Police House, Hyde Park, London. W2 2UHTerms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

close

Subscribe to our eNewsletter today

Be the first to hear our latest news and read about upcoming events, learning and volunteering opportunities, fundraising and park improvement projects when you sign up to our mailing list.

Aerial view of Regents