Soaring to New Heights

[Daft Bat]

Back in 1789, things were not really on an even keel in France, resulting in the start of the French Revolution. Fast forward 100 years and the French Government was organising a fair to celebrate Revolution’s anniversary. But they needed an iconic symbol of some sort in order to do so.

Up stepped Gustave Eiffel, whose plan to build a tower was chosen from the more than 100 entries to the competition being held. Built as an entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, it stood as the tallest man-made tower in the world for 41 years until the Chrysler Building was finished in 1930. But it was today, 31st March in 1889 that the doors first opened to the public.

After the fair ended, it was nearly taken down on more than one occasion. But Gustave made some changes to the building by adding a weather station in 1890 and a military telegraph station in 1903.

Handy bloke, that Gustave.

 

[Anthony J Corps]

If they had pulled it down as per original plan then we wouldn't have Blackpool Tower

 

[Bay Horse]

If they had pulled it down as per original plan then we wouldn't have Blackpool Tower

There were two landmark towers, of course.

New Brighton and Blackpool towers were designed by Maxwell and Tuke, both built in the 1890s. New Brighton tower was the tallest building in Britain when it opened - bigger than Blackpool. It lacked maintenance during WW1 and fell into disrepair, then got dismantled for scrap (when it could've been saved). The Ballroom buildings beneath went on fire in the late sixties - but in its heyday the tower was a huge attraction, possibly moreso than Blackpool.

Six people were killed during the construction of New Brighton tower, health and safety not so strict back then.

You'll still hear older people here talking about New Brighton tower.