10 Fascinating Facts About Blackpool Tower
The Blackpool Tower was once the tallest man-made structure in the British Empire. It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it is 518 feet (158 metres) tall and many consider it to be the North West’s most famous landmark.
The Blackpool Tower was designed by two architects, James Maxwell and Charles Tuke. Both men had passed away before the tower opened in 1894. The design and construction of the Blackpool tower cost £290,000 which translates to about £38 million today.
For more than 130 years, The Blackpool Tower has been entertaining people with its unique attractions and spectacular architecture.
Here are 10 facts about the Blackpool Tower that you may not be aware of:
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Blackpool Tower was opened to the public on 14 May 1894. The first electric crane in the world, used on the construction of Blackpool Tower in 1893 was made by the same company who built the tower (Heenan and Froude).
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Painting the Tower structure takes seven years to complete.
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Hitler had plans to turn Blackpool and the Tower into a Nazi resort if Germany had won the Second World War.
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The Blackpool Tower lost its status as the UK’s tallest building when London’s new Post Office Tower was completed in 1965.
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The Tower’s famous Blackpool lights were originally gas lamps but were converted to electricity in 1905. The Blackpool Tower had 5,508 LED lights installed. It was lit up for the first time on 12 February 2013.
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If the wind speed exceeds 45 mph, the top of the Tower is closed as a safety precaution.
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In 1973, Blackpool Tower was awarded Grade 1 listed building status for its outstanding architectural and historic interest.
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Originally the Tower had an entrance fee of three shillings (£0.15). Today, a ticket for the Blackpool Tower Eye costs £13 for adults.
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It’s also been seen in many films, and even appeared in the background of The Killers’ “Here With Me” music video.
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The Blackpool Tower can even be seen from as far away as Wales and the Lake District on clear days.
Even though its status in height has been surpassed many times over since construction in 1894, the ‘Tower’ remains one of England’s most iconic landmarks. For more than 130 years it has provided entertainment with spectacular architecture and unique attractions for all ages.
We hope you enjoyed reading the list just as much we enjoyed compiling it.
