For over a century, the Last Night of the Proms has been the crowning jewel of the BBC Proms, an annual musical festival that has become synonymous with British culture and identity. With its roots steeped in history, the Last Night has evolved from a simple concert...
The Olympic Games are more than just a display of athletic prowess; they are a celebration of unity, culture, and the human spirit. While the Opening Ceremonies are often grand spectacles that set the tone for the Games, the Closing Ceremonies hold a special place in...
The journey of women in U.S. political history is marked by perseverance, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. From the pioneering efforts of Geraldine Ferraro to the historic ascension of Kamala Harris, women have continuously shattered glass ceilings and...
The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome witnessed one of the most iconic moments in the history of athletics. Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila, running barefoot, triumphed in the marathon, becoming the first black African to win an Olympic gold medal. His victory not only...
The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, marked a significant milestone in the history of women's athletics. For the first time ever, the Games included a women's marathon, a testament to the growing recognition of women's endurance sports. This...
The September 1939 mass evacuations of UK towns and cities under Operation Pied Piper is well known. However, Benito Mussolini’s decision on 10 June 1940 to take Italy into the war on the side of Nazi Germany, led to evacuations of a different type. By taking Italy...
Exit polling has become an integral part of the political landscape in the United Kingdom, offering early indications of electoral outcomes and shaping public perception even before official results are announced. This narrative explores the evolution of exit polling...
The role of the media in shaping general election outcomes in the UK has evolved significantly over the past 50 years. From the dominance of newspapers and television to the rise of social media, each medium has had a profound impact on public opinion and voting...
We take a look at the battleground seats which have swung general elections over the decades
The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a landmark moment in British history, granting suffrage to women over the age of 30 who met minimum property qualifications. This pivotal act opened the door to political empowerment and representation, setting the stage...
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.
Andy is the Editor of iNostalgia and is a regular contributor the exploring history & nostalgia category, with a love for community nostalgia.