Comments on: From Crystal Palace to Crystal Pinnacle: an ambitious idea.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 16:25:20 +0000

In reply to Lisa. I didn’t know this, what a lovely addition to the story. Thank you Lisa.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 16:23:28 +0000

In reply to Moira Garland. The ‘my tower is bigger than your tower’ competition continues apace! Thanks for your comment Moira.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 16:04:21 +0000

Fascinating article and great to see how people were inspired by the Crystal Palace.
William Whiteley visited it in 1851 and it inspired him to open a luxury department store where everything would be under one roof rather than the usual small individual shops.
Although Whiteley was from Yorkshire he left there and opened his Bayswater department store which traded until 1981.

By: Moira Garland

Moira Garland — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 14:25:06 +0000

No, I’ve never heard of the New Brighton Tower despite a certain familiarity with that area, spending my first 12 years Liverpool.
Part of me is impressed at the plan for the re-use of the Crystal Palace. Another is slightly disdainful of these masculine competitors for building the tallest buildings only to inflate their own egos.
Another fascinating story nevertheless. Thank you.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 11:11:53 +0000

In reply to Gand. Hello Gand. It certainly would, and I appreciate your play on words!

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:44:13 +0000

In reply to John Preston. Good morning John. Yes there could have been a whole post just on Watkin and his tower and civil engineering projects. Pleased you enjoyed today’s story.

By: Gand

Gand — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:24:21 +0000

What a shame the whole idea went for a Burton. It would have been truly spectacular.

By: John Preston

John Preston — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:14:38 +0000

Watkins is a fascinating character, tried to build a Chanel Tunnel, built the Great Central Railway to continental loading gauge to join to his tunnel, planned a second railway up Snowden, attempted to finish the Welsh Highland Railway with electric trains (the hydro power station was built and remains below Snowdon up from Beddgelert) a man often ahead of his time. I wonder if there is a biography. Thanks for your post.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 08:18:50 +0000

In reply to Peter Brophy. Well spotted Peter! I’ve corrected my mistake. Yes, the two towers must have been rival attractions. The New Brighton tower was so elegant atop the ballroom. Thanks for getting in touch.

By: Peter Brophy

Peter Brophy — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 08:09:22 +0000

Typo: Metroland is showing on Sunday 26th.
Many thanks for this. I’d never heard of the New Brighton tower – it and the Blackpool one must have been visible from one another.