Opening of Blackpool Tower, 1894 (1893–1894)

Blackpool Tower opened as a visitor attraction in Blackpool, Lancashire, on 14 May 1894. The structure was the tallest man-made building in the British Empire at its inauguration. Its commercial success justified the significant investment required for its construction, generating substantial profits within two years of opening.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Blackpool Tower is a tourist attraction in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. The town's development was closely tied to the Lancashire cotton-mill practice of annual factory maintenance shutdowns, known as Wakes Weeks, when many workers chose to visit the seaside. The tower emerged as a notable structure in the town during 1894, alongside other landmarks like the Grand Theatre.

Construction and Opening. The tower was opened to the public on 14 May 1894. By the time of its opening, the key figures involved in its creation had died. The first members of the public to ascend the tower were local journalists in September 1893, using constructors' ladders. The investment of nearly £300,000 was justified by the tower's subsequent success.

Initial Attractions. The circus first opened to the public on 14 May 1894, with admission costing 6d. The original ballroom, known as the Tower Pavilion, opened in August 1894. This facility posed a threat to the Winter Gardens, leading to improvements in the Winter Gardens' facilities in 1896. The tower's success generated a £30,000 profit in 1896.

People involved

Sources

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