England's version of the Eiffel Tower...the Blackpool Tower.

This unmistakable English landmark was opened to the public back in 1894 and cost £42,000 to construct - a great deal of money at that time. It stands 158 metres tall above a building which houses the equally famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom and Circus. The tower was originally painted dark red, but for its centenary in 1994 it was painted gold.

There are four viewing platforms at the top of the tower, one of which has a glass floor where the public can look down at the street below - an experience only for those with a true head for heights!

The stamp below was issued as part of a series celebrating the Centenary of Picture Postcards in April 1994. Blackpool Tower is shown behind an unfortunate bather getting her toe nipped by a crab.

Illustration

19p stamp of a bather at Blackpool