By Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the structure was designed by Lancashire architects James Maxwell and Charles Tuke. Both died before the tower opened to the public on May 14th 1894.
It cost sixpence to ride to the top of the tower which caught fire in 1897. The blaze could be seen 50 miles away.
As the tower’s steelwork had not been painted properly after construction, most of the frame had to be replaced from 1920 to 1924.
During World War II, the crow’s nest was removed to allow the tower to be used as a Royal Air Force radar station. The lifts and winding gear were renewed in 1992.
A Grade I listed building, Blackpool Tower remains the 120th tallest free-standing tower in the world. Its famous ballroom, part of the complex beneath the tower, annually hosts the peak-time BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing.
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If you love Blackpool Tower, you probably also love Blackpool Pleasure Beach! Take a Ride Through time with our short history and gallery of rides.
Cover Photo Copyright Lewis Clarke and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence, via Geograph.
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