These fascinating photographs chart the remarkable 132-year history of Blackpool Tower — and for anyone proud to call Blackpool home, they are bound to stir more than a little emotion.
Standing an incredible 518ft above the promenade, the mighty structure remains every bit as commanding today as when it first rose above the town skyline in the Victorian age.
Its story began after Blackpool’s mayor, John Bickerstaffe, visited Paris and was captivated by the new Eiffel Tower. Determined that Blackpool should have a landmark to rival it, plans were drawn up for a tower of its own beside the sea.
The foundation stone was laid on September 29, 1891, with a time capsule buried beneath it - it is obviously still a curious mystery. Designed with Blackpool’s coastal winds in mind, the tower was engineered to sway gently in strong breezes, a remarkably advanced idea for its era. In total, it contains 2,500 tonnes of iron and five million bricks.
Since opening to the public in 1894, Blackpool Tower has become the resort’s most iconic symbol and undoubtedly its most photographed attraction.
13. Blackpool Tower memories
The tower's prominence as flying boats soar over North Pier in the 1920s | National World
15. Blackpool Tower memories
The Brabazon airliner is seen passing the Tower during it's "call" at Blackpool on it's way to Belfast and Dublin in 1951 | library
16. Blackpool Tower memories
Town Crier Barry McQueen celebrates the 116th birthday of Blackpool Tower | National World
17. Blackpool Tower memories
There were plans to build a second Blackpool Tower (can you imagine?) This was an artist's impression depicting the height of tower 2... | library
18. Blackpool Tower memories
Wind damage to scaffolding around Blackpool Tower | National World