And so is its famous circus. But there are things about Blackpool’s jewel in the crown which you might not realise – could it actually succumb to high winds? How thick really is that walk-of-faith glass? And how long does it take to paint it? Read on and find out...
In case you missed them: Building Blackpool Tower: 12 striking scenes which capture every stage as the resort's treasure rose to dominate the skyline
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1. Blackpool Tower Facts
The infamous ‘walk of faith’ at the top of the Tower first opened in 1998. It was originally made of two sheets of laminated glass, two inches thick and weighed half a ton. Since then it has been reconstructed and can now hold the weight of two elephants Photo: Chris Hindley
2. Blackpool Tower Facts
Rigger Mark Smith painting the blue top of the Tower gold for its centenary in 1994. Painting the Tower structure from top to bottom, including replacing corroded steelwork, takes approximately seven years Photo: library
3. Blackpool Tower Facts
The Tower buildings have more than five million bricks and the space occupies a total area of 5,050 square metres Photo: Google
4. Blackpool Tower Facts
By 1896, the Tower and the buildings had already cost around £290,000 to build. This emotive image is probably the earliest picture of Blackpool Tower we have on record and shows the first steel works. All its familiar hallmarks were firmly in place Photo: ©Blackpool Council Heritage Ser
5. Blackpool Tower Facts
If you’ve ever wondered why The Blackpool Tower looks so familiar, it’s because it was modelled after the famous Eiffel Tower. And only recently, it was revealed that many people in the UK can't distinguish between the two! Really? Photo: submit
6. Blackpool Tower Facts
The Tower measures 518 feet and 9 inches to the top of the flagpole. That’s around 158 metres Photo: OLI SCARFF