The Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) is an interferometer array of radio telescopes spread across England. The array is run from Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire by the University of Manchester on behalf of STFC as a National Facility. (..)

This new telescope was made by E-Systems and was constructed based on the designed for the telescopes in the Very Large Array, which was being constructed at the same time also by E-Systems. (..)

The construction of the new telescope started on 9 July 1976, and was completed by 8 October 1976. The telescope was first controlled remotely from Jodrell in January 1977. The microwave links were installed in May 1978. The first observations using the system – measurements of 30 distant radio sources – were taken in January and February 1980.