Jodrell Bank
When I was at Manchester studying Physics I heard an old tale that the building of the original large radio telescope went massively over budget - to the extent that the Vice Chancellor of the University and the head of the Science Faculty were to be invited to answer questions in the House of Lords, with criminal proceedings threatened.
Apparently around this time Sputnik was launched, and this was the only facility in the Northern Hemisphere capable of tracking it. All of a sudden threats of incarcerations were exchanged for pats on the back and the people who built the telescope became heroes.
I don't know how true it is but it sure sounds nice - can any other Reg readers corroborate?
L